Ten Years of En Route Critical Care Training

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Aerospace Medicine
• Critical Care Transport

Background:

• The French Military Health Service (FMHS) identified a need for specialized training in medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
• Critical care patient transport via fixed-wing aircraft requires specific skills and protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and outcomes of the FMHS training program for MEDEVAC of critical care patients.
• To analyze the number of personnel trained and MEDEVAC missions conducted over a 10-year period.

Main Methods:

• A 10-year retrospective analysis (2006-2015) of FMHS Academy data.
• Categorization of trainees by medical specialty and course type.
• Description of the number of MEDEVAC missions performed.

Main Results:

• Multiple training courses (collective, tactical, individual strategic) were delivered to various medical professionals including intensivists, nurses, and flight surgeons.
• Between 2006-2015, an average of 818 strategic MEDEVACs were performed annually, with approximately 33 involving critical care patients.
• Five collective strategic MEDEVAC missions transported 56 patients.

Conclusions:

• The FMHS successfully established and implemented targeted training for MEDEVAC of critical care patients.
• The program has equipped numerous medical teams with the necessary skills for critical care air transport.