Wyoming Guard Airmen make first Antarctic cardiac evacuation in 35 years Published April 17, 2025 By Staff Sgt. Lee Murphy, Wyoming Air National Guard MCMURDO STATION, Antarctica -- Using teamwork, precision and lifesaving expertise, Airmen of the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 187th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron played a critical role in the first successful evacuation of a patient in cardiac arrest from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, in more than 35 years. The patient, a U.S. civilian contractor and veteran of more than 20 Operation Deep Freeze missions, had a massive heart attack at McMurdo Station. The station, a key hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program, is home to more than 500 personnel during the harsh winter months when flights in or out are nearly impossible. Temperatures had hovered near minus 35 degrees Celsius (minus 31 degrees Fahrenheit), and severe blizzards had thwarted a prior rescue attempt. The U.S. National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station is the largest of the U.S. year-round stations and the largest station on the continent. It is the central logistical hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP), supporting research on the continent and at NSF Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Maj. Nate Krueger and Master Sgt. Lyndsey Glotfelty of the 187th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron delivered critical care during a life-saving patient transport mission in Antarctica. Their actions and expert care helped make history with the first successful cardiac arrest evacuation from the continent in over 35 years. (U.S. National Science Foundation courtesy photo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Race against time The emergency began when the patient, about 60, collapsed in the station’s galley. Medical professionals from McMurdo’s fire department, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Air Force responded instantly, finding the man in cardiac arrest caused by a “widow maker” heart attack from a complete blockage of the left anterior descending artery. First responders initiated CPR and delivered multiple defibrillator shocks on the way to the station clinic. After nearly 40 minutes of intensive efforts, including CPR, epinephrine injections and eight defibrillation shocks, the team stabilized the patient and began planning an immediate medical evacuation. “This was a truly remarkable case,” said Maj. Nate Krueger, flight nurse with the Wyoming Air National Guard. “From the moment of collapse to the successful evacuation, every step was executed with precision and urgency. The coordination between emergency responders, the clinic team and the flight crew made all the difference.” A dangerous flight, a life saved Krueger and Master Sgt. Lyndsey Glotfelty, an aeromedical technician with the 187th AES, were deployed to support Operation Deep Freeze, which is the U.S. military’s logistical mission in Antarctica since 1955. They led the patient’s stabilization and transport efforts. The airlift was no routine mission in a place where help is measured not in minutes, but miles and hours. A Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion aircraft carrying additional medical staff landed on McMurdo’s icy runway during a brief daylight window. Following about 90 minutes on the ground, a U.S. Air Force LC-130 flew the patient 2,500 miles to Christchurch, New Zealand, on a seven-hour flight across one of the world’s most unforgiving terrains. Upon arrival, the patient was rushed to a hospital catheterization lab where two stents were placed to reopen his arteries. The ordeal lasted about 12 hours from collapse to advanced cardiac care, and ended with the patient walking out of the hospital days later. Dan Baldwin (left), University of Texas flight nurse, Master Sgt. Lyndsey Glotfelty, 187th Wyoming Air National Guard aeromedical evacuation technician, provide in-flight care for a heart attack victim aboard a LC-130 in route to Christchurch, New Zealand, Feb. 13, 2025. The Antarctic is as remote as it gets, with great distance to the nearest help and limited resources, the mission contained a standardized response plan for medical incidents and select personnel trained to handle them. Maj. Nate Krueger and Master Sgt. Lyndsey Glotfelty of the 187th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron delivered critical care during a life-saving patient transport mission in Antarctica. Their actions and expert care helped make history with the first successful cardiac arrest evacuation from the continent in over 35 years. Photo Details / Download Hi-Res An unmatched partnership “This was a win through teamwork and rapid emergency response,” said Maj. Thomas Powell, McMurdo Station flight surgeon. “Having a robust cooperative partnership between the National Science Foundation and the military was key to ensuring rapid medical care and evacuation of the patient.” The success of this mission highlights the strength of the longstanding partnership between the U.S. military and the National Science Foundation in supporting scientific operations in Antarctica. It also underscores the critical importance of readiness and training in environments where help is hours or days away. “This was more than a mission - it was a life saved against all odds,” said Brig. Gen. Michelle Mulberry, Director of Joint Staff for the Wyoming National Guard. “What our Airmen and their teammates accomplished is extraordinary. The 187 AES embodied what it means to be Citizen Airmen - bringing compassion and expert care to one of the most remote places on Earth. Great job Krueger and Glotfelty.”