Medical Digital Radiography System to Aid in Journey Across Antarctica

A transportable medical X-ray system is making its way to Antarctica as part of the latest expedition led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the famous polar explorer. In one of the last remaining polar challenges, the expedition will try to cross the coldest place on earth, Antarctica in winter, which is an astonishing journey of nearly 4,000 km, most of the passage in complete darkness and with temperatures as low as -90 °C.

The Carestream Health (Rochester, NY, USA) DRX-Transportable medical imaging system will be on hand to provide fast and easy diagnosis in case of medical emergencies. Part of the DRX family of digital radiography solutions that share the same DRX-1 wireless detector, the DRX-Transportable is a rugged, all-in-one system specifically designed for use in the field. The system includes the wireless detector, electronics, wireless access point, and a tablet personal computer (PC)—all packaged in a portable, rugged carrying case. To complete the package, Carestream Health’s distributor in the United Kingdom, BCF Technology (Rochester, MN, USA), has donated the source generator for X-ray capture.

“For The Coldest Journey it was important that we had a digital X-ray system which is small, light, and easy to use should the worst happen. Carestream’s DRX-Transportable system fits our needs perfectly,” said expedition doctor Rob Lambert.

The ice explorers will join the research ship the SA Agulhas in Cape Town at the end of December 2012. This first ever trans-Antarctic winter expedition also attempts to raise USD 10 million for “Seeing is Believing,” a global charitable project to help combat avoidable blindness.

The six expedition members, on the equinox of March 21, 2013, will start their six-month journey to reach the Ross Sea. Their route from the Russian base of Novolazareskaya (Novo) to Captain Scott’s base at McMurdo Sound—by way the South Pole—will test the limits of human endurance. During this time, the explorers will be totally self-sufficient as there is no search and rescue facility available because aircraft cannot travel inland during winter due to darkness and risk of fuel freezing.

“We were delighted to receive the request for a DRX-Transportable from Sir Ranulph himself,” commented Jane Grimsley, marketing manager for digital capture Europe, Carestream. “The system is designed to perform in diverse and challenging environments, and although we hope that it will not be needed, should it be we are confident that it will help provide a timely diagnosis to enable prompt and appropriate treatment.”

Related Links:
The Coldest Journey
Carestream Health