The Casualty Care Interface Between the Air Force Medical Service and Air Force Special Operations Forces
Abstract
This research paper examines the AF Special Operations Command (AFSOC) medical system, specifically the care and management of SOF casualties as they move from point of injury to hand-off to the conventional AF Medical Service (AFMS) systems. The paper analyzes current AFSOC medical assets, missions, capabilities, as well as limitations, constraints, and challenges with the aim of determining what additional capabilities AFSOC medics need and why. The critical interface points between SOF and the conventional AFMS are also studied. The intent is to determine where and how the interface should take place as well as how it can be improved. During this research, important issues were analyzed, leading to conclusions and recommendations. The primary conclusion is that AFSOC does need additional assets to enhance their medical capabilities. Specifically, like the conventional AFMS, AFSOC should have its own organic surgical and in-flight critical care capabilities in the form of teams developed for the SOF environment. Once established, these teams need the appropriate training, supplies, and equipment to provide life and limb-saving care as close to the seriously injured casualties as possible. In addition, recommendations are made regarding the SOF-conventional AFMS interface - where it should ideally take place and suggestions for improving the interaction between SOF and conventional forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA420666
Entities
People
- Janelle E. Costa
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College