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This week at the station

This week at Davis: 14 December 2012

Fire training

Antarctica is the driest continent on earth and there is also no fire brigade to call on, so fire is a real danger. The crew are suitably trained by the Tasmanian Fire Brigade to be able to combat fires and rescue each other should that need ever arise. Training consists of learning how to use a fire hose, work the water pump, use a breathing apparatus, conduct building rescues and how to deal with dangerous goods. The training goes for seven days after which a fire chief is selected who is then responsible for ongoing training at station.

Real life training means real life fire

(Photo: Bill DeBruyn)

Learning fire rescue techniques

(Photo: Bill DeBruyn)

Fire fighting can be hard work - Mal & Aaron

(Photo: Bill DeBruyn)

The class of 2012 - Davis Fire Team

(Photo: Bill DeBruyn)

Boating training

Most winter expeditioners and selected science crew must all complete the competent crewman course. Here everyone is taught basic boating skills and survival techniques. This three day course is very popular, even if the weather is foul. Inflatable rubber rafts are a common mode of transport during the summer at Davis. They also provide an excellent opportunity to do those midnight berg cruises.

Expeditioner on a boating training excerise

(Photo: Bill DeBruyn)

After a hard days boating - lunch on a isolated beach

(Photo: Bill DeBruyn)

Dry suits come in all sizes, Trish just could find her size

(Photo: Bill DeBruyn)

One size fits all, Trish in her well fitting dry suit

Lay surgical training

In the event the station doctor be required to perform a medical procedure, he or she would require expert help. As there are no nurses on station, four expeditioners are selected from the winter crew to train for two weeks at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Here they are taught basic lay surgical skills to assist the doctor, should there be a need. The expeditioners trained this year included a carpenter, a mechanic, a plumber and a communication technician. Plenty of skills there!

Davis lay surgical team with hospital staff

Different types of tools to what Dieso Aaron is used too!

Paul & Aaron, where is that vein?

Richard, you sure it was really only a medical dummy?

Quad training

Quads are one of the main modes of transport in Antarctica and learning how to ride them properly is a must. Each expeditioner must participate in a full induction and training course. An expeditioner cannot ride a quad on the ice, or anywhere in Antarctica for that matter, unless they pass this course. Further Antarctic-specific quad training is provided at Davis station.

Everyone that winters requires quad training

(Photo: Bill DeBruyn)

Gavin in full flight

(Photo: Bill DeBruyn)

Search & rescue training (SAR)

A very large component of Antarctic training is the ability to self-rescue. Although a lot of this training is done in the Antarctic, many of the basics can be taught in Tasmania before departure. By the end of summer, Davis station will have trained up a very strong and capable SAR team.