(2) Operate a company aid post near the company CP. Patients brought to
the company aid post remain at that location pending evacuation to the battalion aid
station.
(3)
Coordinate patient evacuation.
(4) Keep the company commander informed of the health service support
status of his command.
(5) Report matters detrimental to the health of the unit to the platoon or
company commander, the battalion medical platoon leader, or the PA.
(6) Supervise hygiene, field sanitation, the selection, treatment and handling
of water for consumption.
(7) Assist unit troop leaders in insuring that all personnel take prescribed
4-17. EMPLOYMENT OF THE AID STATION ELEMENT
a. The first medical facility in the system of evacuation is normally the battalion
aid station, operated by the aid station element of the medical platoon. An aid station is
not designed to operate in more than one location, but may be divided for movement by
echelon to a new operational site.
b. The aid station is established as far forward in the battalion area as the TAC
situation permits, in order to be as responsive as possible to the needs of personnel
being supported. The location of the aid station may be farther forward in the offense
than in the defense, so that as an attack moves forward, the evacuation routes from
aidmen to aid station are as short as possible. In this way, close, continuous support is
provided when it is most needed. Considerations governing the location of the aid
station include the following:
(1)
The current battalion TAC situation.
(2)
Expected areas of high casualty density.
(3)
Protection afforded by terrain.
(4)
Points of converging lines of drift of casualties.
(5)
Evacuation time and distance from forward areas.
(6)
Concealment and cover (if desirable).
(7)
Area security.
MD0002
4-16