Field Safety Class

 Before you can go on a hike outside the station perimeter or go out in the field by helicopter, you have to take the Antarctic Field Safety class. This class walks you through risks, the contents of a survival kit, how to start a camping stove, how to set up a tent, what different flag colors mean, cold weather injuries, and a little about safety when flying in helicopters. 

The field safety kit is about 60 lbs and is contained in the red bag. There’s two tents in that small black bag (I would NOT want to try to put those back in the bag….), food and water for two people for three days, a camper stove and fuel, a shovel and a large knife for cutting ice, some padding to get you off the ice directly, and some extra clothing and hats.

My co-worker, Marc, is lighting the camper stove we had to put together.

We received lectures on cold weather injuries and discussed hypothermia signs.

Then it was time to set up the tents. Marc snapped this photo as I struggled with the poles. At least none of them popped out or whacked me in the face. I consider that a win.

One of the station’s characters is Deany. He teaches yoga on Sundays and has a real zest for traveling. He also helped us learn how to use the stove and set up the tents.

Once you get your tent built, you may need to cut out ice bricks with your ice saw and make a wall around your tent.

I enjoyed the class, but I’m pretty sure it’s steered me clear of wanting to hike a long distance with a 60 lb pack and the threat of falling in a crevasse….

I will, however, be in helicopters often, so I’ll make sure I look out for rotary blades as my training has taught me!