Aeromedical evacuation in Israel--a study of 884 cases.

We analyzed 884 moderately severe and severe casualties evacuated by the aeromedical evacuation unit of the Israel Air Force. Of these, 452 were evacuated during the "Yom Kippur" War in 1973, and 432 during 1974-76. The aeromedical teams performed 24 rescusitations and 13 emergency operations, and provided primary medical care for 37 cases; 95% of the casualties reached the next stage of evacuation without deterioration in their medical condition. These data support our concept that the participation of a flight surgeon in aeromedical evacuation is highly valuable. The advantages of small helicopters for aeromedical evacuation purposes are outlined. The suitability of the aeromedical evacuation system in Israel for wartime as well as for peacetime is pointed out.