Medevac

Medevac or Medical evacuation is the timely and efficient movement and en route 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 were during the American Civil War, where volunteer medical teams took wounded soldiers from the battlefield for treatment. The concept was further developed during World War I and World War II, where aircraft were used to transport injured soldiers to safety.

Modern Medevac

In modern times, medevac is often performed by ground transportation, such as ambulances, but can also be done by aircraft. The choice of transportation depends on the patient's condition and the distance to the nearest suitable medical facility.

Medevac by Air

Air ambulance services, often provided by military organizations, are a vital link in the chain of survival for those injured in war or disasters. They provide rapid transport from the scene of an incident to a hospital, as well as between hospitals.

Medevac by Ground

Ground medevac is typically performed by ambulance services. These can be public or private organizations, and may be staffed by a range of medical personnel including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, or nurses.

See Also

• Air ambulance
• Ambulance
• Emergency medical services
• Paramedic

Medevac Resources
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