Medical evacuation

Medical evacuation, often shortened to medevac or medivac, is the timely and efficient movement and enroute care provided by medical personnel to wounded being evacuated from a battlefield, to injured patients being evacuated from the scene of an accident to receiving medical facilities, or to patients at a rural hospital requiring urgent care at a better-equipped facility using medically equipped ground vehicles (ambulances) or aircraft (air ambulances).

History

The first recorded medevacs took place during the American Civil War, where volunteer medical personnel transported wounded soldiers by horse-drawn wagons to nearby field hospitals. The concept of medevac was further developed during World War I and World War II, where dedicated vehicles and aircraft were used to transport injured soldiers to hospitals away from the front lines.

Types

There are two main types of medical evacuation: tactical and non-tactical. Tactical evacuation, also known as CASEVAC, is carried out in combat situations, while non-tactical evacuation (NEO) is performed in non-combat situations, such as natural disasters or accidents.

Procedures

The process of medical evacuation typically involves several stages. First, the patient is stabilized at the scene of the injury or illness. Next, they are transported to a nearby medical facility, where they receive further treatment. If necessary, the patient may then be transported to a more advanced medical facility for specialized care.

See also

• Air ambulance
• Casualty evacuation
• Emergency medical services
• Flight nurse
• Helicopter emergency medical service

References

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  Agusta A109K2 helicopter used for medical evacuation

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  USAF R-5 helicopter medevac during the Korean War

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  Medevac mission at Balad Air Base, Iraq