Medical Provision for the British Antarctic Survey

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has a requirement for its employees and for those who travel under its sponsorship to be medically screened and to have access both to doctors in the Antarctic and top-level medical cover advice, support and ultimate responsibility in the UK.

The on-going requirement is for the provision of a comprehensive medical service, including dental screening for its employees, visitors, collaborators and contractors working in the Antarctic, Arctic or on research vessels and supporting related aircraft. Similar provisions may be required from time to time at other locations worldwide where BAS has a scientific research interest.

The purpose of the MSP is to provide medical screening for employees and visitors and advice in advance of deployment primarily to the Polar regions; employ the doctors that BAS require to cover its Polar operations; advise on and supply the consumables required for our Antarctic surgeries; and to provide access to specialist consultants as required to help facilitate when possible and appropriate for input into medical situations befalling BAS staff undertaking field work in other locations.

The MSP is also responsible for design and provision of tailored first aid course for staff and visitors to the polar regions. Currently this takes the form of a course that all deploying staff undertake and a higher-level course for those deploying more remotely or independently.