Case Study: Air Ambulance Mission to the Antarctic

In January 2024, a critical medical situation unfolded at the Norwegian research station Troll in Antarctica. A team member fell ill with suspected abdominal infection, a situation requiring surgical treatment and necessitating urgent evacuation. This case study outlines the meticulous planning and execution of the air ambulance mission undertaken to repatriate the individual and highlights the challenges faced during the operation.

Planning the Mission

The Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) played a pivotal role in coordinating the evacuation mission. The first step involved conducting a comprehensive medical risk assessment to ascertain the severity of the situation and the required medical interventions before and during transport.

Daily communication between the doctors of EMA Finland and the NPI, the latter stationed at Troll, facilitated the exchange and update of crucial medical information, including the patient’s condition, treatment administered, and anticipated medical needs during the journey. In this case the flight time with patient on board was over 20 hours, thus additional oxygen and pharmaceuticals was loaded.

Flight planning was another critical aspect of the mission. Given the long flight hours and extreme environmental conditions of Antarctica, including unpredictable weather patterns and vast expanses of ice, meticulous attention was paid to route selection and navigation. 

Conducting the Mission

The air ambulance dispatched for the mission was equipped with specialized medical equipment and a team of highly trained medical professionals prepared to manage any medical emergencies on route. In all its’ Air Ambulance missions EMA Finland routinely carries full ICU equipment as well as critical care physician and nurse.

Both medical and flight crew were equipped with special gear “Polar Kit”, provided by NPI, with ie. goggles, outer and mid layer wear, insulated boots, gloves and a hat.

The aircraft, Falcon 7X, operated by Jetflite, was chosen for its ultra-long-range capabilities and additional security provided by third engine. Falcon 7X can fly from Cape Town to Troll Airfield and return in case landing is not possible due to bad weather or other obstacles. This time, the sky was cloudy, and lack of contrast made the visual approach more challenging than usual. Despite this, Capt. Miguel Riquelme, performed his 32. landing on Troll Airfield without problems. According to the flight crew, Falcon 7X is a treat to fly and perfectly suited for special missions like this. For the medical crew spacious cabin gives room to work and enables larger families or other co-travellers to fly with the patient.

Upon reaching Troll research station, the medical team quickly assessed the patient’s condition. Patient’s situation had fortunately improved with earlier initiated antibiotic therapy so that the flight was rather uneventful. Patient was monitored and medication was administered as planned. After required fuel-stops we landed in patients home country and delivered patient to local University Hospital.  

Despite the logistical and environmental challenges, the air ambulance successfully evacuated the individual from Troll research station to receive advanced medical care. The coordinated efforts of all involved parties, including the Norwegian Polar Institute, medical personnel, pilots, and ground support teams, were instrumental in the mission’s success.

Conclusion

This case study underscores the importance of preparedness and teamwork in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals working in isolated areas such as research stations in Antarctica. Effective communication, thorough risk assessment, and collaboration among various stakeholders were essential.

Being prepared for anything and willingness to accept challenges beyond the usual is and has always been core of collaboration between EMA Finland and JetFlite. Teams behind the scenes planning the mission, preparing the aircraft, organizing logistics and, of course, securing medical safety are invaluable and much appreciated. This unforgettable mission to the southernmost continent has shown the importance of co-operation and experience. Now we can finally say: our operations are truly global.