SPECIAL AIRBORNE MEDICAL CARE UNIT.
Abstract
Present aircraft utilized for inter-theatre aeromedical evacuation missions have environmental limitations which degrade both diagnosis and treatment of seriously ill or wounded patients. McDonnell Douglas Corporation (MDC) has completed a Phase I Preparatory Study which included system engineering efforts to define the requirements for a Special Airborne Medical Care Unit (SAMCU) and system design efforts to create a baseline configuration. Design requirements were established by MDC personnel visits to DOD and civilian hospitals and to USAF operational units in the CONUS and the Far East. Flights were made aboard C-141 aircraft on actual air evacuation missions to identify specific patient care problem areas. The resulting design configuration evolved is a rigid noise attenuating enclosure, providing independent environmental control, good lighting, 50% relative humidity, good patient accessibility, and patient isolation capability. Various items of medical equipment were selected for use aboard the SAMCU as a result of trade-off studies, which also identified required changes to adapt certain of them to the airborne environment. The impact of SAMCU on aeromedical evacuation system mission operations, logistics, maintenance, and personnel training was also assessed. Alternate configurations were identified, with advantages and disadvantages of each expressed. It is concluded that the SAMCU will increase the Military Airlift Command capability for in-flight routine care and will provide for emergency treatment of seriously ill or injured patients during aeromedical evacuation missions. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 04, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0689403
Entities
People
- Virginia M. Alena