“Space, the final frontier.” This iconic phrase from Star Trek sets the stage for countless adventures and dangers faced by the members of Starfleet. Since the foundation of the United Federation of Planets, it has been involved in near-constant wars, whether with Klingons, Romulans, or the Borg. Despite the appeal of being a part of Starfleet—specifically, being on a ship—it is definitely hazardous to one’s health.

Danger lurks at every corner of a starship. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most dangerous places to be on a starship in the Star Trek universe.

On the bridge at the helm

While the bridge of a starship might seem like a relatively safe place, it’s far from secure during a battle. The helm, in particular, is a dangerous place to be during a battle. The helmsmen are responsible for flying the ship. During battle, the bridge is frequently targeted, leading to explosions, hull breaches, and console malfunctions.

Helmsmen face the dual challenge of avoiding enemy fire while executing complex maneuvers to protect the ship. Their consoles are prone to short-circuiting and exploding, causing severe injuries or even death.

The stress of maintaining composure while under fire, combined with the physical dangers, makes the helm one of the most treacherous places on a starship during a fight.

The engine room

The engine room, or engineering section, is the heart of any starship, but it’s also dangerous, especially during battles. Engineers maintain the ship’s warp core, power systems, and various critical components. When the ship is under attack, the engine room is often hit, leading to catastrophic failures and hazardous conditions.

Explosions, radiation leaks, and electrical fires are just a few of the risks engineers face. The warp core is particularly volatile and can cause massive destruction if damaged. Engineers must work quickly and efficiently to repair any damage while avoiding personal injury. The high-stress environment, combined with the constant threat of a catastrophic failure, makes the engine room one of the most hazardous areas on a starship.

Corridors

Corridors might seem like the least likely place for danger, but in Star Trek, no place is truly safe. During battles, corridors can become chaotic as crew members rush to their stations or attempt to repair damage. They are also vulnerable to hull breaches, fires, and falling debris.

In addition to the physical dangers, corridors are often where intruders engage with the crew. Hand-to-hand combat, phaser battles, and ambushes are common occurrences in these confined spaces. The unpredictability of what one might encounter while in the ship’s corridors adds to the overall risk.

The red uniform

Finally, wearing red. It doesn’t matter where on the ship this crew member is, because anyone unfortunate enough to be issued a red uniform is all but doomed during a battle. If they’re stationed on the bridge, it’s almost guaranteed that their console will explode in their face. Station in engineering? Well, we know who’s getting a lethal dose of radiation. A hull breach? sucked out into space.

If they, for some reason, survive the hull breach or falling debris in the corridors, it’s almost certain they’ll have a phaser battle with an intruder that they won’t survive. Wearing red is the most hazardous assignment in Starfleet. On an away mission, their mortality rate goes up exponentially.

Most Star Trek fans know this as the “red shirt.” It’s from the original Star Trek, where security personnel and junior officers—who typically wore red uniforms—were frequently killed off. It became so common that “red shirt” entered popular culture as a metaphor for expendable characters in fiction.

Medical emergencies

Beyond the specific hazardous locations, being in Starfleet comes with a high probability of medical emergencies. Alien pathogens, space-borne diseases, and injuries from battle are frequent occurrences. Starfleet medical personnel, while highly skilled, often face the challenge of dealing with unknown illnesses and injuries under extreme pressure.

The advanced technology and medical equipment available on starships are impressive, but they are often put to the test in life-or-death situations. Doctors and nurses must be prepared to handle anything from plasma burns to alien viruses. The stress and urgency of these medical emergencies add another layer of risk to Starfleet service.

Psychological toll

The dangers of Starfleet service aren’t limited to physical harm. The psychological toll of constant threat, witnessing the loss of comrades, and enduring the stresses of deep space exploration can be mentally exhausting. Starfleet officers must be strong, often facing ethical dilemmas, isolation from family, and the mental strain of their responsibilities.

That’s why counseling and psychological support are important parts of Starfleet operation, acknowledging the significant mental health challenges faced by the crew. The pressure to perform under such conditions can lead to burnout, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The psychological hazards are as real and impactful as the physical dangers encountered in space.

Despite the inherent risks, many are drawn to Starfleet by the promise of adventure, exploration, and the chance to make a difference in the universe. The appeal of discovering new worlds and advancing scientific knowledge outweighs the dangers for many brave souls. However, it’s undeniable that being in Starfleet is hazardous to one’s health. From away missions to battle stations, the risks are ever-present.

Courage and resilience are required to serve in Starfleet, and those who take on this challenge do so with the understanding that they are often putting their lives on the line.