text: Chapter 7
  7-36. The medical evacuation plan is a crucial part of the medical operational plan or OPORD. The brigade
  surgeon section handles development of the BCT medical evacuation plan. The medical evacuation plan
  identifies ambulance exchange points and casualty collection points. Support graphics in Force XXI Battle
  Command, brigade and below display these locations. Additional ambulance support is coordinated with the
  supporting sustainment unit operations section and the supporting medical company.
  7-37. While the platoon medics and platoon sergeant evacuate casualties from the point of injury to the troop,
  casualty collection point, the troop first sergeant or troop medics handle medical evacuation of patients from
  the troop, casualty collection point to the aid station. The squadron conducts reconnaissance and security
  operations over wide and extended areas; therefore, the BCT squadron and troop medical planners must
  consider using adjacent unit aid stations. Ambulance teams from the supporting medical company evacuate
  patients from the aid station back to the role 2 medical treatment facility located in the BSA. The
  pre-positioning of ambulance teams with the aid station reduces ambulance turnaround times. Medical
  evacuation of patients should be no further than their condition requires so they can return to duty as soon
  as possible.
  7-38. The preferred method of medical evacuation is by air, but air evacuation is dependent upon aircraft
  availability and the mission variables of METT-TC (I). Ground evacuation is the primary method of
  evacuation. The evacuation platoon provides area support to all units in the supported area. The brigade
  aviation element and surgeon, in conjunction with higher headquarters, coordinates the use of air medical
  evacuation (see figure 7-1).
  7-39. Medical planners anticipate the potential for high casualty rates, long evacuation distances, and adverse
  weather when developing the medical evacuation plan. They identify and coordinate ambulance exchange
  points for all operations, including the locations of ambulance exchange points for all phases of each
  operation. Medical assets need planned triggers. For example, when the forward element reaches a certain
  PL, they trigger the medical assets to advance to their next designated location. Planners retain the flexibility
  to shift nonstandard evacuation assets to support mass casualties or CASEVACs when required. Plans and
  exercises should include any available air evacuation to transport urgent litter patients.
  Figure 7-1. Process for evacuation of the wounded