request. The format in figure 3-17 contains all the
Line 8: An obstacle is anything higher or deeper
information required in a MEDEVAC request. The
than 1 foot on the LZ or anything near the
format may change slightly at diffenmt organizations.
LZ that may create a hazard to the aircraft.
Explain where the obstacles are in relation
MEDEVAC PROCEDURES
to the LZ.
Line 9: State where friendly troops are in relation to
The importance of a well-thought-out MEDEVAC
the LZ.
plan cannot be emphasized enough. The lives of
everyone in the unit depend on it. All personnel
Line 10: State the location of the enemy in relation to
the LZ.
assigned to the unit must know the MEDEVAC
p r o c e d u r e s . The elements requiring special
Line 11: Self-explanatory.
consideration are litter bearers, ambulance, battalion
Line 12: Self-explanatory.
aid station, and LZ security.
Line 13: State the direction and distance the
LITTER BEARERS
helicopter can fire without endangering
friendly troops.
Litter bearers should be personnel, such as
Line 14: If possible, the approach heading should be
messcooks, personnelmen, and yeomen, from
into the wind. The retirement or departure
Headquarters Company. The litter bearers are
should be clear of enemy positions.
assigned as stretcher teams with the COC being the
Line 15: T h e different helicopters used for
prime coordinator for their utilization. The COC
MEDEVAC operations vary in the number
will inform the battalion aid station for their
of personnel and equipment they
assistance. Many variations occur however, and it
can transport. Increased elevation and
must be emphasized that this source of litter bearers
temperature decrease the weight capacity of
is not taken for granted. Platoon commanders and
a helicopter. A helicopter pilot must know
the company chief must be assured of an adequate
exactly the number of personnel and what
number of litter teams. Eight men per company are
type of equipment is to be transported.
considered adequate unless mass casualties are
anticipated. Other sources of litter bearers are as
Line 16: Anything not previously mentioned that
follows:
could help the pilot in anyway.
1. Members of the platoon. This source is
MEDICAL EVACUATION REQUEST
mentioned only to be discouraged, although it will be
(MEDEVAC)
well recognized that in an emergency this may be the
only source available. Utilization of platoon personnel
manning the defensive lines or FEBA may result in a
A MEDEVAC request contains all the information
disastrous lack of fire power when it is most needed for
that Direct Air Support Center (DASC) personnel
defense.
need to dispatch a helicopter to your position. In a
combat situation, the Combat Operation Center
2. Members of the reserve platoon. Here again it
(COC) routes the request from the battalion aid station
is recognized that in an emergency, this source must be
to higher headquarters. Higher headquarters will
used. However, to rely on this source is not a good
route the request to DASC personnel. In extreme
practice because the reserve platoon is critically needed
situations where communication to the COC or the
during a heavy attack; therefore, if the platoon is used
battalion aid station is interrupted, platoon
for casualty evacuation, the company commander may
commanders or company commandes should have
be caught shorthanded.
the knowledge and capabilities to request a
When a casualty occurs, the wounded person, if
MEDEVAC. The operation plan (OPLAN) will
possible, should go to a relatively protected location
explain the routing of a MEDEVAC request. A
MEDEVAC request does not actually bring the
away from the defensive lines or FEBA. The word
is then quietly passed to the CP for a corpsman or
helicopter to the LZ. The request simply identifies the
requesting unit, location of the LZ, and describes the
litter bearer. The CP will then inform the COC for
casualty. The DASC will make the necessary
action. P a s s i n g the word back quietly and
arrangements/decisions concerning the MEDEVAC
expeditiously is important. Loud shouting for a
