Overview
This briefing explained key concepts and procedures involved in casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and management of casualty collection points (CCP) during military operations.
MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation)
- MEDEVAC platforms are specially equipped, marked, and staffed vehicles or aircraft providing in-route medical care to patients.
- They are protected as non-targets under the Geneva Convention and may not be used for non-medical tasks while marked.
- MEDEVAC is limited by terrain, platform availability, and numbers, and is rarely the first vehicle to move casualties from the point of injury.
CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation)
- CASEVAC refers to casualty movement using non-medical vehicles, with little or no in-route medical care.
- Medical staff usually remain with the unit, so en-route care is rarely available unless specifically tasked.
- CASEVAC platforms typically lack medical equipment and may not be designed for safe casualty transport.
- These vehicles are not protected by the Geneva Convention, but can be armed for self-defense.
- There are three CASEVAC levels: dedicated (reserved for mission), designated (secondary contingency role), and platform of opportunity (any available vehicle, high risk).
Casualty Collection Point (CCP)
- The CCP is a predetermined location where casualties are brought, triaged, and evacuated further.
- Managed by medics or combat lifesavers, the CCP coordinates evacuation based on casualty priority and transportation means.
- CCP locations should balance convenience for both air and ground evacuation while remaining close to operational needs.
- CCP operations and rehearsals are vital and should be part of standard operating procedures.
- All unit members should know the CCP location, and practice evacuation as often as possible.
Transportation and Prioritization
- Units should maximize MEDEVAC use for high-priority patients and use CASEVAC for milder cases.
- Remains of deceased casualties should not be transported via MEDEVAC or CASEVAC.
- Transportation management and triage are necessary for effective casualty care under limited evacuation resources.
Resource Allocation
- An infantry battalion (~500 soldiers) typically has 6–8 ground MEDEVAC ambulances.
- Aviation brigades (supporting ~15,000 soldiers) have ~15 MEDEVAC aircraft, highlighting the need for effective CASEVAC and CCP procedures.
Recommendations / Advice
- Review Army technical publications ATP 4-22 and 4-21.3 for further details on casualty and medical evacuation procedures.