CHAPTER 3 SETUP AND CONTROL OF MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC)

Medical evacuation responsibilities shared by and casualty care are everyone involved with command and control activities. All personnel assigned to the unit must be aware of casualty facilities and medical evacuation procedures (MEDEVAC). A well-developed MEDEVAC plan will not only save lives but will also ensure the unit is ready for present and future missions. The loss of any Seabee because of a poor MEDEVAC plan is inexcusable and can result in a disastrous lack of firepower when it is most needed. This chapter covers in depth the setting up of a landing zone, the landing zone brief, the medical evacuation request, and the medical evacuation procedures.

Figure 3-1.- Helicopter landing zone (LZ). LANDING ZONE/ SITE/ POINTS

A helicopter landing zone (LZ) is a specified ground for landing helicopters to embark or disembark troops or cargo. A landing zone is designated by a code name. It may include one or more landing sites.

Depending upon the terrain and the size of the Seabee unit, you can divide the LZ into several landing sites. A landing site is a specific location within a landing zone in which a single flight of helicopters may land to embark or disembark troops or cargo. Landing sites are designated by color, such as landing site red. A landing site contains one or more landing points (fig. 3-1).

A helicopter landing point is an area within a landing site where an individual helicopter can land. Landing points are designated by two-digit numbers, such as landing point 12. For pathfinder purposes, the landing points are identified by the use of smoke or air panels. For night operations, you can mark the landing points with some type of low-intensity light. A general rule is to position landing points ten times as far from an obstacle as the obstacle is high (10: 1 ratio).

NOTE: In most cases, a Seabee unit will be required to construct a landing zone with one landing site and one landing point for resupplies, troop movement, or medical evacuations.

PREPARATION OF THE LANDING ZONE When planning the preparation of an LZ, you should take several factors into consideration. First, you should know what type of helicopters will be using the landing zone. The Combat Operation Center (COC) can provide this type of information. Second, you must consider the Seabee unit's position in relation to the enemy. Security troops must establish a 360-degree perimeter around the landing zone to defend the LZ. A third factor is the time it will take to prepare the landing zone. And a fourth factor considered is the equipment needed to prepare the LZ.

Approaches and Exits The ground approaches to the LZ and exits from the LZ must be free of major obstacles that might obstruct landing or takeoffs, such as tall trees, telephone poles, or power lines. Approaches and exits should also be clear of obstructions that are 10 meters or higher, extending at least 50 meters in the direction of approach and exit paths. The rule of thumb for determining the distance required between the landing point and a high obstruction is a 10: 1 ratio. This means that the distance a landing point is located from a tree is ten times the height of the tree.

Example: A helicopter landing or taking off near a 30-foot tree needs at least 300 feet of horizontal clearance (fig. 3-2).

Ground Obstacles Obstacles on the ground, such as stumps or rocks, should not exceed 1 foot in height on level ground and should be less on sloping ground.

Gradient (Slopes) Ground slope has a considerable effect on selecting a landing site or landing point within the LZ. A helicopter cannot land safely in locations where the ground slopes more than 14 degrees. When pilots land on a slope, they prefer to land uphill because of the tail down attitude of the helicopter.

Surface Conditions Mud, excessive dust, and loose debris are considered undesirable surface conditions for helicopters. Mud causes a helicopter to become bogged down. Excessive dust reduces visibility and compromises the location of the site. Loose debris is dangerous because they are sucked up into the rotor blades or turbine intakes, causing serious damage. Shallow water, less than 18 inches deep and with a firm bottom, can be used as a landing site.

Winds When the wind at ground level exceeds 10 knots, the helicopter must land into the wind.

LANDING SITE DIMENSIONS Landing site dimensions vary, depending on the number of landing points required. For each landing point, a fuselage safe circle is cleared of all obstacles, such as stumps, rocks, or bushes. Clear a rotor safe circle of all obstacles that could obstruct the rotor blades (fig. 3-3).

When there is to be more than one landing point within the landing site, separate the landing points so the helicopters can simultaneously land safely in the landing site. Use figure 3-4 as a guide in selecting the appropriate size landing zone.