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Summary: Development of RAF aeromedical evacuation service from the Second World War to the 1960s.
Description: Reel 1: Opening scenes of D-Day beach landings and of Allied advance. “During World War Two over four hundred thousand wounded men were evacuated by the Royal Air Force from theatres of war in every part of the World”. Scenes in hospital ward and wounded serviceman speaking with his father. He recounts his evacuation process from Regimental Aid Post to Advanced Dressing Station before being flown back to UK. The father reminisces about his different experience in the previous war. Advances in medical techniques, fitness of troops and rapid evacuation of wounded personnel all accounted for better survival rates and speedy return to unit if possible. The problems of the War in Western Desert and factors involved in setting up a casualty air evacuation service. Overcoming these factors meant an effective Aeromedical Evacuation Service could be extended to Western Europe and the Far East theatres. Freight out/Casualties back was the method employed. Short range, medium range and long range transports utilised. Scenes in jungle environment of evacuation by Dragonfly helicopter. Dramatised example of medical staff (e.g. Flight Sister) and equipment/medication required on flights.
Reel 2: Continuation of dramatised evacuation process. Preparing patient for loading onto aircraft (Hastings) and departure. On arrival in UK at Reception Centre patients reviewed by doctors and dispersal to various medical facilities for treatment. Onset of nuclear threat and senior officers discussing the “air picture” and reduction in air superiority since the end of WW2 and it's effect on aeromedical evacuation. Organisation of elements of frontline medical care discussed. Deployment of medical teams to the field.
Reel 3: Processing and moving on of casualties from field stations to airfield strips for evacuation. Imaginary war scenario with forces being isolated and the backlog of casualties building up at airfield processing stations. Aircraft arrives and successfully evacuates wounded personnel.
