Skill Level 2 081

081-831-0101

Request Medical Evacuation

Conditions: You have a casualty requiring medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and a patient pickup site. Necessary equipment and materials: operational communications equipment, MEDEVAC request format, a standard scale military map, a grid coordinate scale, and unit signal operation instructions (SOI).

Standards: Transmitted a MEDEVAC request, providing all necessary information within 25 seconds. Transmitted, as a minimum, line numbers 1 through 5 during the initial contact with the evacuation unit. Transmitted lines 6 through 9 while the aircraft or vehicle was en route, if not included during initial contact.

Performance Steps

1. Collect all applicable information needed for the MEDEVAC request.

a. Determine the grid coordinates for the pickup site.

b. Obtain radio frequency, call sign, and suffix.

c. Obtain the number of patients and precedence.

d. Determine the type of special equipment required.

e. Determine the number and type (litter or ambulatory) of patients.

f. Determine the security of the pickup site.

g. Determine how the pickup site will be marked.

h. Determine patient nationality and status.

i. Obtain pickup site nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) contam ination information normally obtained from the senior person or medic.

Note. NBC line 9 information is only included when contamination exists.

2. Record the gathered MEDEVAC information using the authorized brevity codes. (See table 081-831-0101-1.)

Note. Unless the MEDEVAC information is transmitted over secure communication systems it must be encrypted except as noted in step 3b(1).

a. Location of pickup site (line 1). (See STP 21-1-SMCT, Task 071- 329-1006.)

b. Radio frequency, call sign, and suffix (line 2). (See STP 21-1- SMCT, Task 113-637-2001.)

c. Numbers of patients by precedence (line 3).

d. Special equipment required (line 4).

e. Number of patients by type (line 5).

f. Security of pickup site (line 6).

g. Method of marking pickup site (line 7).

h. Patient nationality and status (line 8).

i. NBC contamination (line 9).

3. Transmit the MEDEVAC request.

a. Contact the unit that controls the evacuation assets.

(1) Make proper contact with the intended receiver.

(2) Use effective call sign and frequency assignments from the SOI.

(3) Give the following in the clear "I HAVE A MEDEVAC REQUEST"; wait one to three seconds for response. If no response, repeat the statement.

b. Transmit the MEDEVAC information in the proper sequence.

(1) State all line item numbers in clear text. The call sign and suffix (if needed) in line 2 may be transmitted in the clear.

Note. Line numbers 1 through 5 must always be transmitted during the initial contact with the evacuation unit. Lines 6 through 9 may be transmitted while the aircraft or vehicle is en route.

(2) Follow the procedure provided in the explanation column of the MEDEVAC request format to transmit other required information.

(3) Pronounce letters and numbers in accordance with appropriate radiotelephone procedures.

(4) Take no longer than 25 seconds to transmit.

(5) End the transmission by stating "OVER."

(6) Keep the radio on and listen for additional instructions or contact from the evacuation unit.

Table 081-831-0101-1. MEDEVAC Authorized Brevity Codes

Line Item Explanation Where/How Obtained
Who Normally Provides
Reason

1
Location of Pickup Site

Encrypt the grid coordinates of the pickup site. When using the DRYAD Numeral Cipher, the same "SET" line will be used to encrypt the grid zone letters and the coordinates. To preclude misunderstanding, a statement is made that grid zone letters are included in the message (unless unit SOP specifies its use at all times).

From Map
Unit Leader(s)

Required so evacuation vehicle knows where to pick up patient. Also, so the unit coordinating the evacuation mission can plan the route for the evacuation vehicle (if the evacuation vehicle must pick up from more than one location).

2
Radio Frequency, Call Sign, and Suffix

Encrypt the frequency of the radio at the pickup site, not a relay frequency. The call sign (and suffix if used) of person to be contacted at the pickup site may be transmitted in the clear. From SOI RTO Required so evacuation vehicle can contact requesting unit while en route (obtain additional information or change in situation or directions).

3
Number of Patients by Precedence Report only applicable information and encrypt the brevity codes.

A – urgent.

B – Urgent-Surgical.

C – Priority.

D – Routine.

E – Convenience.

If two or more categories must be reported in the same request, insert the word "BREAK" between each category.

From Evaluation of Patient(s)

Medic or Senior Person Present

Required by unit controlling the evacuation vehicles to assist in prioritizing missions

4
Special Equipment Required

Encrypt the applicable brevity codes.

A – None.

B – Hoist.

C – Extraction equipment.

D – Ventilator.

From Evaluation of Patient/ Situation

Medic or Senior Person Present

Required so equipment can be placed on board evacuation vehicle prior to the start of mission.

5
Number of Patients by Type

Report only applicable information and encrypt the brevity code. If requesting MEDEVAC for both types, insert the word "BREAK" between the litter entry and ambulatory entry.

L+# of Patient –

Litter

A+# of Patient –

Ambulatory

(sitting)

From Evaluation of Patient(s)

Medic or Senior Person Present

Required so appropriate number of evacuation vehicles may be dispatched to pickup site. They should be configured to carry patients requiring evacuation.

6
Security of Pickup Site (Wartime)

N – No enemy troops in area.

P – Possible enemy troops in area (approach with caution).

E – Enemy troops in area (approach with caution).

X – Enemy troops in area (armed escort required).

From Evaluation of Situation

Unit Leader

Required to assist the evacuation crew in assessing the situation and determining if assistance is required. More definitive guidance can be furnished the evacuation vehicle while it is en route (specific location or enemy to assist an aircraft in planning its approach).

6
Number and Type of Wound, Injury, or Illness (Peacetime)

Specific information regarding patient wounds by type (gunshot or shrapnel). Report serious bleeding, along with patient blood type, if known.

From Evaluation of Patient

Medic or Senior Person Present

Required to assist evacuation personnel in determining treatment and special equipment needed.

7
Method of Marking Pickup Site

Encrypt the brevity codes.

A – Panels.

B – Pyrotechnic signal.

C – Smoke signal.

D – None.

E – Other.

Based on Situation and Availability of Materials

Medic or Senior Person Present

Required to assist the evacuation crew in identifying the specific location of the pickup. Note that the color of the panels or smoke should not be transmitted until the evacuation vehicle contacts the unit (just prior to its arrival). For security, the crew should identify the color and the unit should verify it.

8
Patient Nationality and Status

The number of patients in each category need not be transmitted. Encrypt only the applicable brevity codes.

A = U.S. military.

B – U.S. civilian.

C – Non-U.S. military.

D – Non-U.S. civilian.

E – EPW

From Evaluation of Patient

Medic or Senior Person Present

Required to assist in planning for destination facilities and need for guards. Unit requesting support should ensure there is an English speaking representative at the pickup site.

9
NBC Contamination (Wartime)

Include this line only when applicable. Encrypt the applicable brevity codes.

N – Nuclear.

B = Biological.

C – Chemical.

From Situation

Medic or Senior Person Present

Required to assist in planning for the mission. (Determine which evacuation vehicle will accomplish the mission and when it will be accomplished.)

9
Terrain Description (Peacetime)

Include details of terrain features in and around proposed landing site. If possible, describe relationship of site to prominent terrain feature (lake, mountain, tower).

From Area Survey

Personnel at site

Required to allow evacuation personnel to assess route/avenue of approach into area. Of particular importance if hoist operation is required.

References

Required Related

FM 8-10-6

Line	Item	Explanation	Where/How Obtained	Who Normally Provides	Reason
1	Location of Pickup Site	Encrypt the grid coordinates of the pickup site. When using the DRYAD Numeral Cipher, the same "SET" line will be used to encrypt the grid zone letters and the coordinates. To preclude misunderstanding, a statement is made that grid zone letters are included in the message (unless unit SOP specifies its use at all times).	From Map	Unit Leader(s)	Required so evacuation vehicle knows where to pick up patient. Also, so the unit coordinating the evacuation mission can plan the route for the evacuation vehicle (if the evacuation vehicle must pick up from more than one location).
2	Radio Frequency, Call Sign, and Suffix	Encrypt the frequency of the radio at the pickup site, not a relay frequency. The call sign (and suffix if used) of person to be contacted at the pickup site may be transmitted in the clear.	From SOI	RTO	Required so evacuation vehicle can contact requesting unit while en route (obtain additional information or change in situation or directions).
3		Number of Patients by Precedence Report only applicable information and encrypt the brevity codes. A – urgent. B – Urgent-Surgical. C – Priority. D – Routine. E – Convenience. If two or more categories must be reported in the same request, insert the word "BREAK" between each category.	From Evaluation of Patient(s)	Medic or Senior Person Present	Required by unit controlling the evacuation vehicles to assist in prioritizing missions
4	Special Equipment Required	Encrypt the applicable brevity codes. A – None. B – Hoist. C – Extraction equipment. D – Ventilator.	From Evaluation of Patient/ Situation	Medic or Senior Person Present	Required so equipment can be placed on board evacuation vehicle prior to the start of mission.
5	Number of Patients by Type	Report only applicable information and encrypt the brevity code. If requesting MEDEVAC for both types, insert the word "BREAK" between the litter entry and ambulatory entry. L+# of Patient – Litter A+# of Patient – Ambulatory (sitting)	From Evaluation of Patient(s)	Medic or Senior Person Present	Required so appropriate number of evacuation vehicles may be dispatched to pickup site. They should be configured to carry patients requiring evacuation.
6	Security of Pickup Site (Wartime)	N – No enemy troops in area. P – Possible enemy troops in area (approach with caution). E – Enemy troops in area (approach with caution). X – Enemy troops in area (armed escort required).	From Evaluation of Situation	Unit Leader	Required to assist the evacuation crew in assessing the situation and determining if assistance is required. More definitive guidance can be furnished the evacuation vehicle while it is en route (specific location or enemy to assist an aircraft in planning its approach).
6	Number and Type of Wound, Injury, or Illness (Peacetime)	Specific information regarding patient wounds by type (gunshot or shrapnel). Report serious bleeding, along with patient blood type, if known.	From Evaluation of Patient	Medic or Senior Person Present	Required to assist evacuation personnel in determining treatment and special equipment needed.
7	Method of Marking Pickup Site	Encrypt the brevity codes. A – Panels. B – Pyrotechnic signal. C – Smoke signal. D – None. E – Other.	Based on Situation and Availability of Materials	Medic or Senior Person Present	Required to assist the evacuation crew in identifying the specific location of the pickup. Note that the color of the panels or smoke should not be transmitted until the evacuation vehicle contacts the unit (just prior to its arrival). For security, the crew should identify the color and the unit should verify it.
8	Patient Nationality and Status	The number of patients in each category need not be transmitted. Encrypt only the applicable brevity codes. A = U.S. military. B – U.S. civilian. C – Non-U.S. military. D – Non-U.S. civilian. E – EPW	From Evaluation of Patient	Medic or Senior Person Present	Required to assist in planning for destination facilities and need for guards. Unit requesting support should ensure there is an English speaking representative at the pickup site.
9	NBC Contamination (Wartime)	Include this line only when applicable. Encrypt the applicable brevity codes. N – Nuclear. B = Biological. C – Chemical.	From Situation	Medic or Senior Person Present	Required to assist in planning for the mission. (Determine which evacuation vehicle will accomplish the mission and when it will be accomplished.)
9	Terrain Description (Peacetime)	Include details of terrain features in and around proposed landing site. If possible, describe relationship of site to prominent terrain feature (lake, mountain, tower).	From Area Survey	Personnel at site	Required to allow evacuation personnel to assess route/avenue of approach into area. Of particular importance if hoist operation is required.