Death in Antarctica.
Antarctic tourism is flourishing, but Antarctic cruises are often more physically demanding than typical "tropical" cruises. An 82-year-old Antarctic tourist died of probable septic shock secondary to lower respiratory tract infection six days after sustaining a suspected vertebral fracture in a minor fall from an inflatable boat. This case highlights the need for Antarctic cruise ships to be equipped to provide life support and for better screening and education of prospective Antarctic tourists.
Lamberth
P G
PG
Department of Emergency Medicine, Canberra Hospital, ACT. palam@ozemail.com.au
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000864:Antarctic Regions; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009326:Naval Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000150:complications*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000209:etiology*; D014195:Travel