An American was transported from Antarctica to New Zealand in a dramatic rescue after suffering from a medical emergency. The U.S. National Science Foundation reported that the Australian Airbus A319 Long Range aircraft, with the call sign Snowbird 1, received an “urgent request for assistance” on July 31, flying a passenger in “serious condition” from the U.S. McMurdo Station in Antarctica to New Zealand as temperatures dropped as low as negative 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The Australian Antarctic Division released a statement on Friday confirming the patient’s stay at Christchurch Hospital, where they are receiving medical care. “This was a complex operation carried out in the depths of the Antarctic winter, Emma Campbell, head of the AAD, said in the statement. ”It highlights both the capability of our people and the strong partnerships that underpin Antarctic programs around the world.” Other experts warned that the mission was dangerous due to extreme weather conditions. “It was very close to being too cold,” co-pilot of the rescue, Louise Robertson, said. “There… was really just such a narrow window of opportunity.”
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