The environment in Antarctica is extremely dangerous, and the weather can change very quickly. All visitors must know how to keep safe, so that they do not endanger their own lives, or the lives of others. People leaving base must carry a survival kit with them at all times.

Survival training

It is vital to be aware of potential dangers and know how to keep safe in an unpredictable environment with many extremes and where conditions can change so very quickly. For some people the amount of time spent learning how to stay safe and survive can be longer than the length of their entire visit to Antarctica. There are seven days total training before you can go out and about in Antarctica - five days back in New Zealand, and then the first two days after you arrive.

This storm is so bad that you can hardly see the buildings, even though they are quite close.

 

Cold climate first aid

Hypothermia is a major concern in Antarctica and it is especially important to look after each other and watch for the signs. If your buddy fumbles, stumbles, grumbles and mumbles they may well be suffering from mild hypothermia. Another clue for detection is the six 'Fs' - fatigue, fits of shivering, funny speech, funny behaviour, falling and fainting.

Stitching up a pig and giving an orange injections ??! Many people, who will be working in remote places miles away from help, needed to know how to cope with possible emergencies and will practise stitching a wound (in a dead pig) and learn to give injections (to an orange) before they leave.

Working out with vehicles, on a very cold and windy day.

The danger of fire

It is extremely dangerous if there is a fire in Antarctica, because water is so short. Any water supplies that are not kept warm all the time freeze into ice. There is a lot of snow and ice all over the place, but that isn't much good for putting out fires! Because of this there are frequent fire drills, so that people can evacuate the buildings really quickly, and each base has a Fire Officer who is in charge of fire safety.