Medical evacuation experience of two 7th Corps medical companies supporting Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Examining medical evacuation data in the high-intensity conflict environment of Desert Shield/Desert Storm yielded some interesting findings. Motor vehicle accidents accounted for most precombat injuries. The combat period was markedly more intense than the other periods and must be the focal point for planning. Indigenous civilians and prisoners of war accounted for a large portion of casualties during and after the combat phases. Mission coordination was a major problem until a central dispatch agency was organized. Ambulance exchange points lacked communication and triage capability, limiting multiple patient transfer and long-haul efficiency. Other problems included lack of translators for civilian casualties and inadequate passenger restraints in some ground vehicles.