CARMM partner, the Australian Antarctic Division’s Polar Medicine Unit (AAD PMU), provides medical support for expeditioners at Australia’s three Antarctic stations, on sub-Antarctic Macquarie island and on ships in the Southern Ocean.
A well-established network of CARMM specialists in Tasmania and around Australia support healthcare delivery for the Australian Antarctic Program.
Additionally, advanced telehealth systems enable the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. We are able to remotely monitor and support medical procedures of expeditioners from back at the AAD PMU in Hobart.
Over the busy summer period there are about 100 expeditioners on station, while in the winter when there is total isolation for up to nine months, the station population drops to between 16–36. A sole station, field or ship doctor provides the comprehensive medical, dental and surgical support for these expeditioners.
Australia collaborates with other National Antarctic Program experts in Antarctic Medicine through the SCAR COMNAP Joint Expert Group on Human Biology and Medicine (JEGHBM).