Australia is on stand-by to help with the emergency medical evacuation of an American expeditioner from Antarctica.

The United States National Science Foundation is battling severe winter weather to reach Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station using aircraft from Canada to retrieve the expeditioner who is suffering from an unspecified condition.

"Australia has advised the NSF its Airbus and an Australian medical team is on standby if required," the Australian Antarctic Division said in a statement on Monday, confirming it had been contacted along with several other nations for help if necessary.