1-5. UNIT LEVEL (ECHELON I)

a. Unit level medical care is initial emergency medical treatment. Immediate far forward care consists of those lifesaving steps that do not require the knowledge and skill of a physician. Three different skill levels of personnel provide the care required in the far forward area.

(1) Self-aid/buddy-aid. Each soldier is trained in a variety of specific first aid procedures, with particular emphasis on the lifesaving tasks. This training enables the soldier or his buddy to apply immediate care in order to prevent or alleviate a life threatening situation.

(2) Combat lifesaver. The combat lifesaver is a non-medical member of a unit, selected by the commander, to receive additional training beyond the basic first aid procedures that are taught to all soldiers. The primary duty of the soldier does not change; additional duties as combat lifesaver are performed as the situation permits. The combat lifesaver assists the combat medic in providing immediate care for injuries. There should be at least one trained combat lifesaver per squad, crew, team, or equivalent size unit. This training is normally provided by the medical personnel assigned or attached to the unit.

(3) Combat medic. The combat medic is the first individual in the combat health support chain who makes medically substantiated decisions based on military occupational specialty (MOS) specific medical training. The combat medic is trained to the emergency medical technician (EMT) level.

b. Additional unit level care is provided by the battalion aid station.

(1) Personnel and equipment. When required by the tactical situation, the battalion medical platoon has sufficient personnel and equipment for the temporary, simultaneous operation of two aid stations. When a single aid station is operating, the physician (medical platoon leader) supervises the treatment provided in the aid station and also performs emergency medical treatment therein. He is assisted by the physician assistant (PA) and other members of the aid station element. Included in this element are senior emergency medical aidman and medical aidmen, who assist in the treatment of patients, the conduct of sick call, and overall operation of the aid station.

(2) Location. The aid station is established as far forward in the battalion area of operation as the tactical situation permits, generally in the battalion support area. The location of the aid station may be farther forward in the attack than the defense.