Challenges for the
MEDEVAC SYSTEM
By Lt . Vasilica Virjoghe ( ROU ), LANDCOM
The task of medical support in military operations is to support the mission , through conservation of manpower , preservation of life and minimization of residual physical and mental disabilities . Appropriate medical support is a force multiplier and makes a major contribution to both force protection and morale of the troops . It is maybe not the critical factor for gaining military superiority in the operational theatre but it is definitely the most important component for losing it . The medical support to a force must be capable of maintaining the necessary quality and quantity of treatment and evacuation activities not just only during peace , but more critically in crisis and conflict .
Evacuation of casualties is a fundamental component of medical support . Medical Evacuation ( MEDEVAC ) is not only the movement of patients under medical supervision to Medical Treatment Facilities ( MTFs ), but as well the continuous provision of health care during the transport as part of the continuum of care . Therefore , it is one of the most important components of the whole Medical Support concept .
In general MEDEVAC units are described in terms of which area along the chain of evacuation they operate . Forward MEDEVAC provides transport for patients from the point of wounding to the initial MTF . This is required by operational circumstances to meet clinical timelines . Forward MEDEVAC by Ground means is primarily a national responsibility . Tactical MEDEVAC is the evacuation of casualties within the Joint Operational Area ( JOA ), transporting patients between different MTFs , Role 1 , Role 2 Basic or Enhanced , Role 3 and CSU ( Casualty Staging Unit , for the handover to Strategic MEDEVAC ). Accordingly , patients will routinely have been stabilised prior to evacuation . Strategic MEDEVAC is the evacuation of casualties from the JOA , to the home nation , to other NATO countries or to a temporary out of theatre safe area . Strategic MEDEVAC is primarily a national responsibility .
To achieve its mission , a MEDEVAC system must have specific capabilities , in accordance with the standards of healthcare and operational principles , like the ability to evacuate casualties to or between MTFs 24 hours a day , in all weather , and sea conditions over all terrain and in any operational scenario , as long as compatible with the situation of the moment . It must ensure the provision of medical sustainment of the casualty throughout the evacuation , using appropriately trained medical staff and medical equipment as required by the clinical condition of the individual casualty . And at the same time , it should have the ability to regulate the flow and types of patients when circumstances require and accurately track patients throughout the chain of evacuation in a timely manner .
Looking back into the past operational context we can observe the increased focus on Non-Article 5 Operations ( Peace support , Peace Keeping , Humanitarian Assistance , etc .) or Out-of-Area
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