The principles of the Army Health System

Question 1

Conformity

Reference: FM 4-02, 1-24

Answer 1

Conformity with the operation order (OPORD) is the most basic element for effectively providing AHS support.

= Compliance with standards…i.e. standards set in OPORD

• In order to develop a concept of operations, the medical commander must have direct access to the operational commander.
• AHS planners involved early in the planning process to ensure:
  
  • support of the Army’s strategic roles/OEs
  • prevent conflict
  • prevail in large-scale ground combat
  • consolidate gains
  • once plan is established, must rehearsed with the forces it supports.

Question 2

Proximity is…

Reference: FM 4-02, 1-25

Answer 2

…to provide AHS support to sick, injured, and wounded Soldiers at the right time and the right place and to keep morbidity and mortality to a minimum.

MED ring

• Army Health System support assets are placed:
  
  • within supporting distance of the maneuver forces which they are supporting, but not close enough to impede ongoing operations.
  • To support the operational commander’s plan, assets positioned to rapidly locate, acquire, treat, stabilize, and evacuate combat casualties.
  • Peak workloads occur during combat operations.

Question 3

Flexibility is…

Reference 4-02, 1-26

Answer 3

…is being prepared to, and EMPOWERED to, shift AHS resources to meet changing requirements.

• Medical commanders may be supporting simultaneous actions characterized by decisive action elements- offensive, defensive, and stability.
• medical commanders exercise their command authority to effectively manage medical resources so that they benefit the greatest number of Soldiers.

Question 4

Mobility is…

FM 4-02, 1-29

Answer 4

…the principle that ensures that AHS assets remain in supporting distance to support maneuver forces.* Ability to reposition for mission; jump TOC

• The mobility, survivability (such as armor plating), and sustainability of AHS units organic to maneuver elements must be equal to the forces being supported.
• must be continually responsive to shifting medical req. in an OE
• In noncontiguous operations, the use of ground ambulances may be limited depending on the security threat in unassigned areas and air ambulance use may be limited by environmental conditions and enemy air defense threat.

Question 5

Continuity in care and treatment is achieved…

Answer 5

…by moving the patient through progressive, phased roles of care, extending from the POI or wounding to the CONUS-support base.

• Continuity of care refers to an attempt to maintain the role of care during movement at least equal to the care provided at the preceding facility.
• Recent - rotary/mission/enemy/terrain = < casualties
• Traditional - > casualties = stabilization @ each role
• Future - peer/peer conflict = prolonged field care

Question 6

Control is required to…

FM 4-02, 1-31

Answer 6

…ensure AHS resources are efficiently employed and support the operational and strategic plan.

• ensures that the scope and quality of medical treatment meets professional standards, policies, and U.S. and international law.
• Syncronization is required to control the 10 medical functions of Army Medicine which are interdependent and interrelated