Aeromedical evacuation : Remembering the past, bridging to the future

Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm saw the largest mobilization of aeromedical evacuation (AE) assets since the Vietnam War. Ultimately, more than 1,950 AE personnel were deployed to support the medical airlift of personnel. With aircrews based at 17 locations in the region, at its peak the system could move up to 3,600 intratheater and 2,500 intertheater casualties per day. Fortunately, the demand for AE fell far short of predictions. During the period from August 12, 1990, to March 31, 1991, more than 12,500 patients were successfully airlifted using converted cargo aircraft, a concept originally validated in World War II. The authors describe the Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm AE system and identify the efforts underway to construct a new aeromedical evacuation system capable of meeting the needs of the battlefield of the 21st century.