1611 AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION SQUADRON (PROVISIONAL)

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on the acceptability of patients for aeromedical evacuation, (b) serve in an 
advisory capacity to the MCD on routine missions, (c) fly tactical and 
strategic AE missions to support urgent patient moves, and (d) function as a 
squadron medical element (SME) for aeromedical aircrews. Although the 
concept of a dedicated flight medicine function in the TAES had been in 
medical contingency plans for some time, it had never been tested, even 
during peacetime exercises. The majority of flight surgeons deployed had 
only limited experience in AE operations and, therefore, were initially 
unprepared to perform some of the duties desired, i.e. conduct briefings to 
MTF personnel as to proper patient preparation and proper use of the AE 
system. As a result, a basic familiarization program for newly assigned 
flight surgeons was established for both tactical and strategic AE 
operations.

Recommendation. The generic use of flight surgeons
	'	to support AE operations is a brand new concept which was used in
a combat environment before ever being tested and refined. The
concept has considerable merit, but it also has limitations. It
requires orientation, familiarization, training, and equipping of
the flight surgeons before they can be properly and effectively
employed, and these are requirements that must be accomplished
prior to deployment, especially into a combat environment. A
working group should be created to assess the potential for using
flight surgeons in a contingency environment and to develop a
specific and detailed concept of operations.

Observation. The UTC for flight surgeons, FFQC1, does not include a 
standardized table of allowances for requisite personal or professional 
supplies or equipment.

Discussion. FFQC1 flight surgeons were deployed from their respective CONUS 
units with the assurance that any additional supply requirements other than 
standard mobility items would be provided in the AOR. They did not with 
items such as protective vests, aircrew chemical ensembles (D-bags), or 
survival vests, and those items were not available in the AOR. The AECC 
attempted to obtain those items from CONUS but were unsuccessful.

Recommendation. Standardization of personal and professional supplies and 
equipment for flight surgeons is highly
		recommended. Proper gear must be provided before deployment into
	j	a combat theater.
.
(2) Aerospace Ground Equipment.

observation. Adequacy of authorized aerospace ground equipment (AGE) became 
suspect when additional powered equipment was procured and employed by AE 
field elements.

Discussion. Generators currently authorized for AECCs, MASFs and AELTs were 
inadequate in both number and capability needed to support the scope of 
operations encountered
	j	by AE personnel. Extreme conditions and the inability of host

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