Surviving the “Air Evac”: Medical and Logistical Issues of Evacuating Psychiatric Patients by Air from Korea to the United States

Abstract

Active duty soldiers who need a physical evaluation board for incapacitating psychiatric symptoms may be evacuated by air to the United States. The Aeromedical Evacuation (air evac) process involves many overlapping organizations, including the Army, Air Force, command, medical, and flight personnel. There are often communication problems between the different systems. Which soldiers are returned to the United States, how they get there, whether to send a medical attendant, and which medications to use for the flight are discussed. The air evac process is in transition. We hope that this paper will facilitate cooperation between the different systems and improve patient care.