NZ air force medevacs sick man from Antarctic

An American working at a U.S. scientific base on the frozen continent of Antarctica has suffered heart problems and was being evacuated Monday to New Zealand, the New Zealand air force said.

The man suffered cardiac problems at the McMurdo base and was being flown to a hospital in Christchurch, southern New Zealand, for treatment, New Zealand Sq. Ldr. Richard Beaton said in a statement.

He had been working as part of the U.S. Antarctic Program and was in a serious but stable condition, Beaton said. The man's name and hometown were not immediately available, nor was more information about his illness.

"He needed immediate evacuation from here for treatment" but was stabilized for the flight, Raytheon Polar Services operations manager Kerry Chuck told The Associated Press by telephone from McMurdo.

Colorado-based Raytheon provides communications, logistics and other support services for the U.S. National Science Foundation's programs in Antarctica.

Two New Zealand defense force medics and two civilian medical staff were also on board the Hercules C130 airplane to provide medical aid during the flight back to New Zealand, Beaton said.

U.S. authorities had asked for help Sunday, Beaton said, and the Hercules was sent on the 16-hour return flight.

"Medical evacuation is a capability the air force can deliver as and when required," said Beaton. "Our crews are experienced flying in and out of Antarctica and this task doesn't present any issues for us."