(3) Enemy action. Enemy air superiority may be a disadvantage in the
employment of aircraft for aeromedical evacuation. The AMEDD air ambulance,
although unarmed, has an advantage in that it is highly maneuverable and capable of
flying at tree top level.
7-6.
ARMY AIR EVACUATION
The assigned mission of the Army is to provide air transportation for the sick and
wounded within the combat zone. This includes battlefield pick up of patients (except
those from an airhead or airborne objective area which is supported by USAF air landed
logistical support), their air transportation to initial points of treatment, and any
subsequent moves to hospital facilities within the Army combat zone. It is a mission of
the AMEDD to carry out this function.
a. Army aeromedical evacuation is that part of the combat zone medical
evacuation function which uses AMEDD air ambulances for patient evacuation to and
between medical treatment facilities. Army Medical Department air ambulances are
staffed with medical personnel and equipment necessary to provide the required in-flight
care and treatment of patients. Combat zone aeromedical evacuation operations under
all conditions are conducted exclusively under the operational control of the responsible
surgeon or medical unit commander.
b. Army air movement of patients is that of the combat zone medical evacuation
function, which employs non-AMEDD aircraft under the operational control of the
surgeon and in which prior medical treatment precludes the need for in-flight medical
treatment and/or surveillance. Air movement of patients by other than AMEDD air
ambulances may be used to facilitate patient transfers. Non-AMEDD aircraft are
employed for air movement of patients when requested by the appropriate surgeon to
augment the AMEDD ambulance capabilities. When Army aviation elements are
committed to patient-moving missions, they respond exclusively to the direction of the
responsible surgeon in regard to point of origin, destination, and the time frame in which
patients are to be moved.
7-7.
USE OF THE ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT AIR AMBULANCE UNITS
a. Army Medical Department air ambulance units are assigned to the corps
medical brigade on the basis of the combat strength of the corps
b. The primary mission of Army air ambulances is to provide aeromedical
evacuation of patients. Secondary missions include provision for:
(1)
Emergency movement. of medical personnel and equipment.
(2)
Uninterrupted delivery of whole blood, biologicals and medical supplies.
(3)
Air crash rescue.
MD0002
7-7