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A minor ailment in the field can quickly develop into something more serious. If you have hurt yourself or start to feel unwell it is important that you communicate this to the ship’s doctor. It may be that a few days of light duties are enough for you to recover and prevent an illness or injury from developing any further. A comprehensive medical kit is in every shelter on the ice floe and at least all AWI particpants have a first aider license. First aid kits are also with every polar bear guard and in the emergency equipment which needs to be taken with you outside of the COemergency box. If in doubt about a medical related problem consult the Doctor. Bear in mind that a hospital is days or even weeks away if bad weather prevents an aircraft or rescue vessel from getting to the vessel's location. Amongst other things the harsh polar environment bears many health risks which must not be underestimated. For further details read chapter dangers of the arctic environment.
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