(2) For patient evacuation to general hospitals from any other COMMZ MTF,
coordination must be accomplished through the MEDCOM. The planning, coordination,
and execution of patient-evacuation within the COMMZ will be accomplished in much the
same manner as described above for the evacuation of patients from the combat zone.
c. Holding Facilities. Holding facilities, either US Army or USAF, are closely
related to the evacuation process; yet they are also closely associated with the
stabilization of a patient's condition, as opposed to the definitive treatment provided in
hospitals. Holding facilities are initially established and operated near airfields utilized for
evacuation purposes.
6-10. AREA HEALTH SERVICE SUPPORT
a. Since all medical units in the COMMZ are assigned to the MEDCOM, units of
the other major commands (TAACOM, PERSCOM, ENCOM, TRANSCOM, TACAC, and
TACCOM) must receive health service support from MEDCOM units. This support is
most efficiently and economically provided on an area basis. Area health service
support, to include outpatient care, is provided by area dispensaries operated by
separate medical clearing companies and/or dispensary detachments of various sizes.
Patient evacuation, hospitalization, health and environment support and medical supply
are also provided on an area basis. The various TOE medical units required for this
support are allocated on the basis of troop strength supported and are established where
troop concentrations dictate.
b. To ensure that adequate health service support is provided throughout the
COMMZ, close coordination between the MEDCOM and the major commanders in the
COMMZ is necessary. The MEDCOM commander' must know the extent and location of
troop concentrations to be supported, and supported unit commanders must know where
the supporting medical facilities are located and what type of support is available.
c. Theater Army area command accomplishes its mission of supply,
maintenance, and rear area protection through subordinate units known as area support
groups. The number of area support groups depends upon the size of the COMMZ and
the number of troops to be supported. The senior medical unit commander located
within the geographical boundaries of an area support group will normally provide
medical staff advice for the area support group commander. Standing operating
procedures will normally be developed by the MEDCOM and the area support group to
govern the relationship between each area support group commander and the senior
medical unit commander in his area.
d. The senior medical commander located within the boundaries of an area
support group will normally be responsible for the development of health service plans in
support of the area support group commander's rear area protection plan. Once
developed, these plans will be coordinated with the MEDCOM to ensure availability of
adequate health service support to accomplish all assigned missions.
MD0002
6-10