comdtinst m16114.32c - U.S. Coast Guard

Part 2 – Operations and Missions
Chapter 2 – Mission Planning
Section E. General Operational Guidance
Introduction
E.1. Medical
Evaluation
E.1.a. Helicopter
MEDEVAC
E.1.b. Transfer to
Medical Facility
This section gives guidance on certain types of Coast Guard unit
operational activities.
Some assistance cases require transport of sick or injured individuals
from vessels or remote locations either by vessel or helicopter. A
competent medical authority establishes the specific need for an
individual to be evacuated from a vessel.
Helicopter Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) shall only be performed
using Coast Guard helicopters unless specifically authorized by the
SMC.
Every effort should be made to secure flight surgeon authorization prior
to performing any MEDEV AC. However, in cases where a flight
surgeon is not available, a medical doctor
or SMC
approval is
permissible. Once auth orization is granted to MEDEVAC
a patient, the
boat Coxswain and/or helicopter pilot determine whether or not the
evolution can be conducted safely.
Reference (o) contains specific guidance regarding hoisting operations
including: personnel safety, weather considerations, mechanics of
preparing for and completing a hoist, and other considerations.
After the patient is placed onboard a Coast Guard boat and prior to the
patient being transferred to a medical facility, Coast Guard personnel will
provide medical care to the level of their training and capability. The
unit receiving the patient is responsible for making further transport
arrangements to a medical facility.
E.2. Fire
Suppression
Units should work closely with their Operational Commander, the
cognizant Marine Safety personnel, and other agencies to develop a
comprehensive fire fighting response plan. In general, unit boats are
equipped and crews are trained to provide very limited fire fighting
capability.
When appropriate, unit crews may attempt to save property, but must
balance the risks to the boat crew with any potential benefit. Actions
taken to save property shall always be limited to indirect attacks from a
safe position. Specific guidance regarding fire fighting and damage
control activities is contained Reference (o).
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