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Medevac Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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medevac

[ˈmɛdɪˌvæk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

emergency medical services

Medevac is the transportation of patients by helicopter or airplane to a medical facility for emergency care.

Examples of usage

  • The medevac helicopter arrived at the scene of the accident.
  • They called for a medevac to airlift the injured hiker to the hospital.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Medevac services were notably expanded during the Vietnam War when helicopters transported wounded soldiers from battlefields.
  • Prior to helicopters, transport methods relied heavily on ambulances or boats, which were much slower in emergencies.

Science

  • Air ambulances equipped for medevac can travel up to 150 mph, reducing transport time significantly compared to ground vehicles.
  • Medical personnel on board air ambulances can provide life-saving treatments during transit, making this service crucial.

Pop Culture

  • Medevac missions are often depicted in war films and shows, highlighting the bravery of both rescuers and patients.
  • Video games often feature medevac as part of tactical gameplay, where players must strategically evacuate injured teammates.

Technology

  • Modern medevac helicopters are equipped with advanced medical devices, including defibrillators and portable monitoring systems.
  • Drones are being tested for potential medevac roles, especially in hard-to-reach areas during disasters.

Origin of 'medevac'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'medevac' combines 'medical' and 'evacuation,' describing the process of moving patients for urgent healthcare.
  • The term became popular in the late 20th century, particularly during conflicts requiring immediate patient transport.

The term 'medevac' originated during the Korean War in the early 1950s. It is a contraction of the words 'medical evacuation'. Medevac has since become a common term used in emergency medical services and military operations to refer to the transportation of patients in need of urgent medical care.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,094, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.