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Antarctica

 By Matt Thorn

     Antarctica is the southern most continent, contains the South Pole, has the highest average elevation, and is the fifth largest continent. It has 5,400,000 sq. miles of land, 108,000 of it is free of ice (98% covered by ice). The ice is one mile thick. It has the coldest, driest, and windiest climate on earth. There are no permanent residents; it is governed by the Antarctica Treaty signed by 45 countries. Military personnel and mining are prohibited.

     There are many natural dangers in Antarctica such as crevasses, icebergs, and the constant cold. Most of the tourism is by ship, so icebergs become a threat because many ships are not reinforced for ice. The cold is a major threat if you are not sheltered. Everyone who works in Antarctica gets frostbite, some just a red marks on exposed areas such as the corners of the eyes. Altitude Sickness becomes a problem in certain areas, although it can be prevented with acclimatization.

     If you are going to Antarctica, of course, you need to layer your clothes, but did you know that you need to bring sunglasses because the glare off the ice can cause snow blindness? It is better to bring many light clothes and layer than one big jacket. It is better to be a little cold rather than sweat. You also need sunscreen for the exposed areas of your body, and lots of water for dehydration.

     There are very few illnesses in Antarctica because of the severe cold. Most illnesses are brought by newcomers. Rashes are common but preventable. Sleeplessness, hypothermia, snow blindness, dehydration, and sunstroke are other common problems and are all easily prevented.

        There are few medical facilities on Antarctica, although there is one on every cruise vessel, and in research stations, but they are nothing compared to hospitals in the United States. Doctors going to Antarctica need special training to perform the tasks other doctors would normally do such as take x-rays or fix a broken tooth. Field parties that go out for extended periods also have a member specifically trained to administer basic medical treatment. There are no search and rescue teams on the ready, and one may take a long time to reach you and be very expensive.

     Antacrtica can be a very beautiful place to visit, but it has many hazards you need to watch out for.