GENEVA, Switzerland, Dec. 13 — A CARESTREAM DRX-Transportable System is on its way to Antarctica as part of the latest expedition led by veteran polar explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes. One of the last remaining polar challenges, the expedition will attempt to cross Antarctica in winter—the coldest journey on earth—an astounding passage of nearly 4,000 kilometres, mostly in complete darkness and in temperatures as low as -90°C.
The company’s 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 solution specifically designed for use in the field. The system includes the wireless detector, electronics, wireless access point and a tablet PC—all securely packed in a sturdy, portable carrying case. To complete the package, Carestream Health’s distributor in the UK, BCF Technology, 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 team is spending Christmas with their families and completing their last minute preparations and training. They will join the research ship SA Agulhas in Cape Town at the end of December. This first ever trans-Antarctic winter expedition also attempts to raise USD10 million for “Seeing is Believing”, a global charitable initiative to fight avoidable blindness.
On the equinox of March 21, 2013, the six expedition members will begin 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—via the South Pole—will test the limits of human endurance. During this time the expedition team will be entirely self-sufficient as there is no search and rescue facility available, as aircraft cannot penetrate 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.”
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About Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE
Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE is, according to the Guinness Book of Records, “the world’s greatest living explorer.” Sir Ranulph was the first to cross the Antarctic Continent unsupported (with Dr Mike Stroud); the first person to cross both polar ice caps and the oldest to climb Everest; and he remains the only living man to circumnavigate the world along the polar axis (accomplished with the late Charles Burton).
About The Coldest Journey please go to www.thecoldestjourney.org. Follow the team on Twitter: @coldestjourney. Find the project on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecoldestjourney
About Carestream Health
Carestream Health is a worldwide provider of dental and medical imaging systems and healthcare IT solutions; X-ray film and digital X-ray systems for non-destructive testing; and advanced materials for the precision films and electronics markets.
For more information about the company’s broad portfolio of products, solutions and services, please contact your Carestream Health representative or visit www.carestream.com.
CARESTREAM is a trademark of Carestream Health.
2012