d. Ambulance Squads. An ambulance squad module consists of four medical
specialists and two ground ambulances. Two medical specialists are assigned to each
vehicle. One medical specialist serves as the driver while the other medical specialist
(assistant driver) provides medical care to casualties en route. The type of ground
ambulances used depends upon the type of unit that the medical platoon supports.
Examples of ground ambulances are given in Lesson 4. A medical platoon usually has
two ambulance squad modules. Medical units with mechanized infantry and armor units
have four ambulance squad modules.
e. Combat Medic Section. The combat medic section consists of medical
specialists attached to the companies/platoons of the unit. These combat medics provide
initial medical care to wounded soldiers. Each combat medic attached to a combat unit is
considered as a separate module.
(1) Echelon I care emphasizes care needed to resuscitate and stabilize the
casualty (such as maintaining an airway, stopping bleeding, and controlling shock) and to
prepare the casualty for evacuation. Echelon I care includes emergency care provided
by nonmedical soldiers and by medical platoon personnel.
(2) Nonmedical soldiers provide basic self-aid and buddy-aid care. Some
nonmedical soldiers, called combat lifesavers, have received additional training and can
provide more advanced procedures (including initiating intravenous infusions to control
shock) as a secondary mission when the military situation permits.
(3) Medical treatment includes the treatment provided by the combat medics
(aidmen), ambulance crews, and aid station personnel.
1-8.
BRIGADE AND DIVISION EVACUATION (ECHELON II)
Six modules provide unit- and division-level (including separate brigades and
ACR's) health care throughout the theater. The modules are the combat medic,
treatment squad, ambulance squad, patient-holding squad, area support squad, and the
forward surgical team (FST). The FST is organic to the airborne/air assault divisions
and the ACR (light) and functions as an Echelon II asset. These health care modules
form medical platoons, companies, and battalions. The modular design of Echelons I
and II medical treatment assets allows for the rapid tailoring of agile, mobile emergency
medical treatment (EMT), advanced trauma management (ATM), sick call, emergency
and sustaining dental support, essential laboratory and x-ray services, and holding for
patients awaiting evacuation or return to duty (RTD) within 72 hours.
a. Area Support Squad. The area support squad consists of one dental officer
(Dental Corps), a dental specialist, an X-ray specialist, and a medical laboratory
specialist. Area support squads do not function independently.
MD0001
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