Rescue test in Antarctic

Press, 29 December 1980, Page 11

Rescue test in Antarctic

From KEITH CLEGG, of the D.S.I.R. Antarctic Division Scott Base, Antarctica A joint New ZealandUnited States search and rescue team has returned from a successful exercise in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica. Three New Zealanders and two Americans from McMurdo Station spent five days familiarising themselves with the area and testing rescue equipment in places where helicopter access would be impossible; ' The New Zealand members, -.Carl Thompson, of Mount Cook, Jon Prosser, of.Timaru, and Peter Som-. rnervllle, of Alexandra, are employed by the Antarctic' Division of the D.S.I.R. to teach survival . techniques to New Zealanders and Americans based in Antarctica. - .... •f ; The two American members 'of the joint team were Steve Lasorsa and Rob Robbins.

Ab most New Zealand "and United States scientific: field parties work in the- Dry Valleys, the region was seen as ideal for

a search and rescue exercise. ... \

Helicopters flew the team to a number of isolated areas where they were left to set up camp. Their only contact with the outside world was by radio.

Although the Dry Vaileys have little snow compared with other parts of the Antarctic, high winds and rugged terrain pose a number of problems. The team worked with rescue equipment and simulated The removal Of an Injured' person by. stret cherfffrom a 25m rock overhang to 'a waiting helicopter. ■ -i Weather-worn rocks. - proved to be the worst , obstacles, 'bitirtg through top-quality climbing rope and 'damaging the fibreglass stretcher; In ■an “effort really to put himself to the test, Mr Prosser decided to substitute a night in his tent for one in a natural rock shelter. According to his col-, leagues the experiment was successful. In spite of the constant-;:: daylight pouring into hie reek bedroom, a human {.larm clock'was necessary the next day. , : :