a. An efficient and flexible evacuation plan is absolutely essential for the preservation of life and to retain the mobility of forward medical resources. In a potential mass casualty situation, the full range of evacuation assets should be considered.
b. The extended hospital time of nuclear casualties will influence levels of evacuation or hospitalization. In addition, estimates of the different types of casualties can be a consideration in evacuation planning. In planning for evacuation, estimates provided in the guide can be used as a starting point from which to estimate evacuation resources.
D-7. In-Unit Care
a. Some personnel within the military unit may not be classified medically as casualties, but will require some self-aid and buddy aid. A casualty is defined as anyone entering the medical system. Paragraph 2.5 of the guide further describes the basis for casualty calculation.
b. Nuclear detonations will produce a large number of blast, burn, and projectile injuries that initially must be treated by individual soldiers trained in first aid procedures. The physical damage to the surrounding area as a result of a nuclear detonation will increase delays in medical assistance and evacuation. Training in self-aid/buddy aid will improve casualty survival rates and conserve medical resources. The guide can be used to provide a conservative estimate of the numbers of injured that will require first aid. The tables in Sections 4 through 10 of the guide, showing the status of unit personnel by time period, can be used to indicate the numbers of personnel who are injured (but not casualties) who may require first aid.
D-8. Hospital Bed Requirements
The data provided in the guide can be used to determine immediate additional bed requirements resulting from a nuclear detonation. In addition to the numbers of patients who will need beds, the data provided in the guide can also indicate the increased hospitalization time of nuclear casualties. Long-term bed requirements, greater than 30 days, are not provided. Based on the theater evacuation policy specified for the operation, the hospital bed days may be in theater or in CONUS.
D-9. Medical Logistics
The data provided in the guide can assist in estimating the needed supplies. The supply system must be prepared for increased demands for certain types of medical and general supplies and equipment, kits, dressings, and antibiotics. The treatment of combined injuries will not require any special types of supplies, although demands for certain types of supplies will increase.