JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

medical training, qualifications, and operational capabilities of
personnel, RU capability to reach a survivor in the shortest possible
time, RU capability to transport a survivor without aggravating injuries
or producing new complications, and environmental conditions.
B. Prior to MEDEVAC, every effort should be made to seek advice
from doctors qualified in emergency medicine, and knowledgeable of SAR
operations. When relying on medical advice from doctors who are not
well versed in SAR, it may be necessary to explain the hazards involved
to the doctor, so that a decision can be reached on whether a MEDEVAC is
warranted. Operational authorities should advise consulting doctors of
the fear-inducing nature of any operation necessary to evacuate a
patient. For example, transfer of a heart attack patient to an SRU may
cause apprehension and worsen the situation. The risk of the overall
transport mission is weighed against the risk to the patient.
Operational mission risk must be balanced against the patient's present
clinical status, and the patient's probable clinical course if MEDEVAC
is delayed or not performed.
931 Evacuation From Marine Craft
A. For a MEDEVAC at sea, the primary controlling factors are
distance, weather, and threat to patient and crew. Normally the SMC
will ask the vessel to divert and head for a certain position or port.
The sooner the vessel acknowledges it will divert and gives an ETA, the
sooner the helicopter flight or surface rescue can be planned. If the
vessel is already within helicopter range, it may still be preferable to
divert in the direction of the RU departure point to expedite patient
removal.
B. Fixed-wing aircraft may be dispatched to serve as escort,
navigation aid, and communication relay for the RU. The vessel should
provide as accurate a position as possible, time of position, course,
speed, weather and sea conditions, wind direction, and
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