The main goal of military medical care is to maintain the physical condition of military personnel even during wartime. In doing so, they will be able to carry out their missions without delay. There are various systems imposed on different countries all over the world but it is with the health structure that the warriors obtain care services through different medical facilities.
Military treatment facilities or MTFs are scattered all over diverse nations wherever servicemembers are located. In some countries, there are private health care providers that are willing to devote their time in caring for the wounded. Currently, there are five care levels in making sure that injured soldiers get the medical attention that they require at the right time and place. These levels categorize the needs of the soldiers into treatment, evacuation, and allow them to return back to duty.
In the first level of care, the treatment starts in the battlefield. This is a dangerous mission for the medical professionals but they are required to take care of the soldiers at the point of injury. Usually, they deliver first aid or other lifesaving measures. The act is initiated by a battle buddy or a war medic lifesaver. If the soldier cannot return to war, it is necessary that he is taken to a treatment facility for immediate treatment.
The second level involves the groups that need surgical resuscitation as well as radiographic and basic laboratory examination. At this level, there is a surgical team together with a health company. The facility should be able to hold the patients for at least 72 hours. In some cases, medical units are required to be mobile and should be able to provide resuscitative surgical operations for up to 30 patients without re-supply.
The third level is considered the highest level of surgical and medical care available in the battle area of operation. Here, the hospitals employ or are based upon modules. This allows the adaptability to a particular tactical situation. This third level of care is generally presented at the support hospital for the soldiers.
The fourth echelon of medical care for the military personnel is located outside of the battle zone. This can also be provided by the support hospital as well as a fixed facility and a fleet hospital. Wherever the members of the army are placed, the wounds, illnesses, or injuries are further checked and treated. Those with harsh injuries go to the next higher level of care. On the other hand, those that have already been treated and are already well may be asked to return to the war zone.
Finally, the fifth rank of medical care is given within the nation at fixed medical treatment facilities. For the US military, it is much more important for them to send the casualties to a facility with the capability of giving the best care for the patients instead of evacuating them to an MTF closest to their duty stations. This way, they will obtain their medical needs and attention right away.
The military health system always consists of a health program which is executed by departments. The government allocates a budget for the program and provides sufficient medical resources for the soldiers. There is a unified medical financial plan prepared which involves money for medical resources and activities as well as for medical treatment facilities. Costs of real property preservation, environmental conformity, and base operations support are the major elements backed up by the budget arrangement.
Military medical care has an unrelenting commitment to help the injured, wounded, and ill soldiers. Those who are not able to return to their military duties are also given attention by the medical evaluation board to assist them as they move forward with their lives.