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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.

References[edit | edit source]

Medical evacuation Resources
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