Severe HAPE in a Remote High-Altitude Research Station in Antarctica

Isolated, confined, and extreme environments hold the opportunity to collect unique biomedical data. These often-remote places present specific medical challenges for deployed expeditioners. Here we report a case of acute severe high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) and its management at a remote research station in Antarctica. At the beginning of the 2023 summer campaign at Concordia Station (3200 m AMSL), a technician presented with shortness of breath and compromised circulation three days after arrival on site. Immediate diagnostics and medical treatments with high-flow oxygen and the use of a mobile hyperbaric chamber after initial resuscitation were administered. Within a time window of 24 h, evacuation to sea level was organised via aircraft (flight duration 4 h, non-pressurised cabin) inside the mobile hyperbaric chamber. The patient was discharged from medical treatment 48 h later in Christchurch (NZ). We conclude that despite rigorous pre-deployment screening, even experienced expeditioners can develop critical medical conditions that require prompt reaction and rescue. Structured assessment tools can aid in their recognition and management.