ABSTRACT
The polar traveller encounters meteorological extremes: strong winds can combine with low temperatures to create conditions similar to a blast-freezer but, in contrast, a cloudless summer’s day may lead to heat exhaustion, sunburn or snow blindness. The first-time traveller will encounter many unfamiliar hazards. Good training and risk-management procedures can reduce the dangers of these hazards. The weather often makes travel difficult and electrical storms may disrupt radio communications. It can be difficult, dangerous and expensive to evacuate casualties. Independent groups should have sufficient medical equipment and expertise to care for casualties for several days. Tents, clothing and equipment must be capable of surviving extreme conditions. A dog ambulance approaches Finse in Norway (C. Johnson) https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315063621/3d535cd9-a6ad-4748-a69a-eef01cc4a032/content/fig25_1_C.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> Polar Hazards
|
Low temperatures High winds Whiteout Avalanche Crevasse Shifting sea-ice Thin lake and river ice Dehydration |
Sunburn Snowblindness Frostnip Frostbite Hypothermia Wildlife (bears) Contaminated water Transport (ski/skidoo) |
