Rescuing Lives Together: Civilian-Military MEDEVAC Collaboration in Romania

In 2010, Romania's Ministry of National Defense developed a special service called the Military Emergency Medical Service (SMMU). Its main goal? To save the lives of military personnel during operations using specially equipped MEDEVAC aircraft. But what about the rest of the population? That's where the national emergency system, SMURD, comes in. They handle civilian emergencies and can be reached by dialing 112. Over the past five years, there's been a rise in joint civil-military medical teams performing MEDEVAC missions. Why? Because accidents with multiple victims require more hands on deck. These missions have shown that teamwork between civilian and military medical teams is crucial for saving lives. The Romanian Air Force has been studying these missions, looking at the good and the bad. They found that planning these missions, using the right medical equipment, and managing a bunch of patients in the air can be quite challenging. But the results speak for themselves. A large number of patients have been transported safely and quickly, no matter the weather. Romania's military presence in various theaters makes air transport for multiple casualties a priority. NATO's strategic medical evacuation is a responsibility that falls on each member nation. So, Romania is stepping up to the plate, ensuring they're ready for whatever comes their way.