arrange the casualties in that order. Casualties must
the helicopter. Also controlled by the security team is
be tagged with their name, rank, SSN, unit, and type
the staging area for those requiring MEDVAC. A
of injuries. All loose articles of clothing, such as 782
member of the security team is established as a "Pit
gear, are removed from the casualties.
Boss" that will control the litter bearers and all
movement of the wounded to the LZ.
Landing and Loading the Helicopter
Securing the LZ
Once the pilot has acknowledged the location of
Weapons and personnel required to secure an LZ
the LZ by means discussed previously in this chapter,
are dictated by the size and terrain of the LZ. A
landing signalman enlisted signals are used to land the
360-degree perimeter must be established around the
helicopter. Only one person is designated as the
LZ. All likely avenues of approach and sectors of fire
landing signalman. Once the helicopter has landed
must be covered. Helicopter pilots will not land if
and a representative disembarks the aircraft, the
they feel the LZ is not properly secured.
landing signalman directs the representative to
the senior medical staff personnel in charge. The
Establishing Communication
helicopter representative will coordinate with the
medical staff representative on how the casualties are
Simultaneously, communication personnel
to be loaded on the aircraft. Once all the casualties
assigned to the security team will establish
have been MEDEVACed, the COC will send a
communication at the landing site. It is important that
SALUTE and WIA (or Casualty CASREP) report to
communication personnel know the proper mission
higher headquarters.
frequency for contacting the pilot and keeping in
contact with the COC. The type of communication
equipment needed depends on the terrain of the LZ.
SUMMARY
Usually, two PRC 119As that are equipped with a
AS-3683 10-foot whip antenna are used. Two radios
Evacuation by helicopter is the ideal evacuation
are required because communication must be
method. This type of evacuation is usually available
maintained with both the pilot and the COC.
day or night. However, helicopters should be used
with discretion as their number is usually limited and
Casualties
they draw enemy fire when observed. The individual
Seabee should be taught basic first aid and, if
Once the LZ has been secured, casualties are
wounded, to remain calm. If the wound is minor, a
transported from the battalion aid station to the
buddy should apply a battle dressing and continue to
landing point by any means necessary. The casualties
deliver fire until the action lessens. The ability of a
are arranged in priorities and according to the capacity
buddy to give first aid depends on the tactical
of the helicopter.
situation. Properly establishing an LZ and mutes to
When en route to the LZ, the helicopter pilot
the LZ from the BAS is important to any MEDEVAC
should inform the communicator at the LZ of the
plan. Pilots are just as concerned for their safety as
capacity of the helicopter and if a corpsman is onboard
you are about your troops safety. Remember, proper
the helicopter. For example, the pilot will inform the
setup and control of MEDEVAC procedures are
communicator that the helicopter has room for three
critical and will ensure that the individual Seabee will
litters and one walk-on. The medical staff will then
be back to build and fight another day.
