Australian Antarctic research stations have a remote area medical facility which is coordinated and run by the station doctor.
At Mawson station this year we have Dr. Frank. He leads a lay surgical team of four expeditioners comprising a mechanic, boiler maker, carpenter and plumber.
The Lay Surgical Assistants (LSA) undertake two weeks of training at the Royal Hobart Hospital prior to departure and have regular training with Dr. Frank once down on station.
Last week Dr. Frank organised another training session which enabled the LSAs to experience and improve their skills in the following areas:
- Theatre set up
- Anaesthetic set up
- Scrubbing
- Sterile fields in theatre
- Prepping and draping in theatre
These training sessions are a vital process in reinforcing the skills learnt back in Hobart for the LSA team.
