MEDEVAC miscategorization.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of an education program designed to improve medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) categorization.

METHODS

To remedy the MEDEVAC miscategorization rates identified in the southern region of Afghanistan, the MEDEVAC medical director for that area created an education program to improve the situation. This education program was implemented through the region by the 14 NATO countries serving in southern Afghanistan and adopted by the Canadian Army as part of the training for Canadian medics.

RESULTS

The education program yielded statistically significant improvement in the MEDEVAC miscategorization rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Education concerning the categorization of MEDEVAC patients is essential for efficient use of Army MEDEVAC. Further investigation is warranted concerning the accuracy of categorization among an Army-only population.