One of our MEDIC first response watches recently returned from assignment! It was sent to be field tested in one of the most extreme climates on the planet, traveling 14,943km from Barrie, Ontario, Canada to the South Pole, Antarctica. It was worn and used there by Ethan Rudnitsky, a Firefighter/EMT-Intermediate with 23 years under his belt. He was in the South Pole from the end of October, 2024 until January, 2025. Ethan put the MEDIC to good use, both in and out of a clinical setting.
In the South Pole the average annual temperature is -46° Celsius, although in the summer months of December and January it can be a balmy -26° Celsius. We received first-hand info on how all parts of the MEDIC hold up when exposed to these less-than-favourable weather conditions.
The bidirectional bezel operated flawlessly in Antarctica, proving its reliability in extreme conditions. Our Shelby Watch Co. Ambassador, Ethan, put the watch through its paces, successfully measuring heart rate and respiratory rate.
The MEDIC’s lumed bezel, dial, hands, and date wheel were charged by the 24-hour daylight of the South Pole. When indoors, the luminescence provided clear legibility in dimly lit rooms and workspaces.
The MD 7081 movement inside the MEDIC retained relatively stable timekeeping precision, with only slight expected variations due to temporary contractions of the components while in the extreme cold.
With Ethan’s 7” wrist size, two links were removed to ensure a perfect fit. However, in the cold, he was able to use the micro-adjustments to incrementally tighten the bracelet for comfort and security to suit the fluctuating conditions.
As a field tester for the MEDIC, Ethan is a watch enthusiast who enjoys unique pieces. He also possesses first response skills that initially drew him to the Pulsometer and Asthmometer functionality. He has been a Firefighter/EMT-Intermediate for 23 years and was a Lieutenant for his department in New Jersey.
During his first time in Antarctica, Ethan spent 54 weeks straight at the South Pole. Since then, he has accumulated almost 5 years on the ice in total. This includes a stint wintering at the pole, which is something that less than 2000 people in the world can claim. Antarctica holds a special place in his heart and Ethan described it to us as a ‘fantastic continent’. Now, he has added another few months to his tally at the South Pole, with the MEDIC on his wrist.
Sign up to our email so you don’t miss a beat.
The MEDIC Pulsometer/Asthmometer is now available for pre-order! Sign up for email to save 15% off your purchase.
