Safe Practice for Our Aeromedical Evacuation Patients

One hundred and seventeen years of air transport experience have led up to our highly organized system of aeromedical evacuation. Regardless of battle field location, air transport has placed the most advanced and current medical practice and surgical techniques available to casualties within minutes to hours. Air transport during peace time operates as medical readiness training. A by-product of the training is movement of Department of Defense beneficiaries between medical treatment facilities. This article reviews basic principles of altitude physiology, patient preparation, and operational system considerations. Safe medical and operational practices for aeromedical evacuation patients are required in peace and in war.