Title: Civilian-military interface in catastrophes requiring aeromedical evacuation

Authors: Marian Levy; Marla B. Royne; Robert W. Koch

Addresses: School of Public Health, University of Memphis, 230 Robison Hall, Memphis, TN 38152, USA ' Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, Fogelman College of Business & Economics, University of Memphis, FAB 302A, Memphis, TN 38152, USA ' Professional Development, West Cancer Center, 100 N. Humphreys Blvd., Memphis, TN 38120, USA

Abstract: Significant differences exist between civilian and military medical procedures, training, and protocols as related to identification, selection, and preparation for aeromedical evacuation. These differences currently create barriers to effective patient care, unnecessary failures in medical logistics systems, and increased costs and risks to military aeromedical crews and patients during times of crisis. This paper provides a review of the existing literature on civilian and military medical procedures and examines terminology, training practices, and related aeromedical evacuation training and processes. Based on the results of this review, we recommend an integrative training program for civilian healthcare and public health responders. An effective interface will assist the military to better meet its civilian support responsibilities during a local, regional, or national catastrophe, while optimising use of its aeromedical evacuation capabilities.

Keywords: aeromedical evacuation; emergency management; civilian-military interface; disaster response; civilian medical procedures; military medical procedures; medical logistics; terminology; training practices; emergency response.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2016.076614

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2016 Vol.12 No.2, pp.136 - 151

Received: 19 Mar 2015
Accepted: 27 Oct 2015
Published online: 17 May 2016 *

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