I'm PQ'd!
What does it take to get to Antarctica as a research scientist? A whole lot of medical tests. We call this the PQ process, or getting “Physically Qualified.”
Med Evac Stat!
You may remember the headlines back in June 2016 of two people who needed to be medically evacuated ("med evac’d" for short) from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (that’s where I’m going!).
Although it was a warm day here in the United States, it was the middle of winter at the South Pole. Facing temperatures of -70F (with a wind chill closer to -100F) and darkness 24 hours a day, it was a risky mission. The United States Antarctica Program (USAP) had to balance the health of the patients with safety of the flight crew.
Fortunately, this story has a happy ending. After a suspenseful 3,000 mile round trip flight between the South Pole and the Antarctic Peninsula, crew and patients were deemed safe and sound.
This type of mid-winter rescue mission is rare – it has only been done twice before, in 2001 and 2003. While unexpected injury and illness will always be a risk when traveling to a remote location, the extensive PQ process helps to limit the number of rescue missions each year.
The PQ Process
Over the summer, I received 16 pages of paperwork to fill out in order to start the PQ process. This included getting a physical, full dental x-rays, seeing an optometrist, getting more blood tests than I think I’ve ever had, getting an EKG, and making sure I’m up to date on my vaccinations. In fact, due to a recent outbreak in New Zealand, it is now even required to get the MMR vaccination.
My EKG - looks like my heart is nice and healthy!
I’ve never been so convinced of my own health!
After crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s, I submitted my paperwork. I anticipated getting it returned to me for forgetting a to fill out a silly box, but to my surprise, I received the following email:
The email confirming that I have been Physically Qualified.
I’m PQ’d! I am officially medically cleared to go to Antarctica! Can you believe it’s only three months away now?!
Altitude Sickness
Although I’m completely healthy, that doesn’t mean that I’ll feel great while I’m at the Pole.
The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station sits at an altitude of just over 9,000 ft – the height of some mountains! On top of the altitude, the atmosphere itself is thinner. Due to Earth’s rotation (think: inertia), the atmosphere is thicker at the equator and thinner at the poles.
I’ve never stayed at altitude for extensive amounts of time. I don’t know how I’ll react to the thinner air. I’m planning on drinking lots of water, bringing some Advil, and taking it easy for the first few days.
Questions?
If you have questions about Antarctica, project IceCube, or anything else related to my upcoming expedition, please comment below. I’m happy to answer!
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