bo 3500.1n - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

BO 3500.1N
25 Mar 08
for transport and the landing zone is identified and marked in accordance
with civilian air ambulance expectations.
(3) Civilian air ambulance companies advertise a fifteen (15) to
twenty (20) minute response time, but may be longer if their local assets are
already committed.
(4) A victim should not be transported via military aircraft (helo).
It may be better to await a civilian air ambulance and the Base Fire
Department to adequately stabilize the victim for civilian air ambulance
transport.
(5) Extractions requiring airborne support may be delayed for up to
one (1) hour due to the non-availability of local airborne extraction assets.
(6) Camp Pendleton does not have a military MEDEVAC aircraft on
standby.
b. Competent medical personnel or the senior Marine on location shall
determine the extent of a medical emergency. Sound judgment will always be
paramount in any successful response to an emergency.
c. In most circumstances, evacuation by vehicle will be the most
effective means of transportation. Sound judgment will always be the factor
in determining which mode of transportation to use.
d. Red pyro/smoke is designated as the alternate signal for any
emergency. Therefore, red pyro/smoke will not be used unless a bona fide
emergency exists. Any unit/aircraft sighting red pyro/smoke should checkfire
and immediately contact LONGRIFLE.
2. Categories. There are three classifications of MEDEVACs. The MEDEVAC
category shall be relayed to LONGRIFLE.
a. Emergency/Urgent (Life Threatening). Requires immediate response.
This category includes any injury considered to be life threatening or loss
of limb status if not transported in a timely manner (typically by civilian
air ambulance).
b. Priority (Non-Life Threatening). Requires timely response. This
category includes any serious injury not considered to be life threatening or
loss of limb status. Evacuation normally accomplished by ground ambulance.
c. Routine (Minor Injuries). May or may not require transport. This
category includes minor injuries, (cuts, bruises, sprains not involving head
or spinal cord injury). MEDEVAC, if required, is normally accomplished by
organic unit assets.
3. MEDEVAC Controlling Agency
a. LONGRIFLE will remain the principal controlling agency during an
actual MEDEVAC emergency. If a radio is the only means of communication,
contact LONGRIFLE on any available frequency. If a radio is not available,
contact LONGRIFLE at (760) 725-3974. If a telephone or radio is not
available, use RED SMOKE/RED PYRO with caution.
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