NEAR

Dustoff lands ------

Medical support is only minutes away from any Ivy Division soldier because of the widespread use of the helicopter.

The 4^th Medical Battalion supports the 4^th Division in the Central Highlands. Each infantry brigade has a medical company from the battalion in direct support. These companies set up clearing stations which have the capability to provide minor medical and surgical treatment, routine laboratory, x-ray and dental procedures in the field. The clearing station is normally the first stop during medical evacuation from the battlefield.

Helicopters are the primary means of evacuating wounded from the battlefield to the clearing station, and from the clearing station to the base clearing station or the 71^st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku. The 283^rd Medical Detachment (Air Ambulance) and the 498^th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) provide the chopper support to the division. In addition to evacuating wounded, these choppers carry medical supplies and equipment to the scene of the action. No Ivyman is more than minutes away from a medical facility by using these "DUSTOFF" choppers.

The 71^st Evacuation Hospital is a modern, fully equipped 400-bed complex capable of treating all types of casualties

The battalion is responsible for the Division’s Medical Civic Action Program, which consists of administering care to Montagnard villagers throughout the division’s area of operation. The civic

Treatment Begins

action teams teach basic first aid and. Transport sick tribesmen to medical facilities in their area that are equipped to provide the needed medical care.

This year, the medical personnel serving in the MEDCAP Program. Have expanded the use of soap, introduced vitamins, insect powder, toothbrushes and tooth paste, baby food and cereal, in an effort to improve the health of the Montagnard. People. In addition, medical support (dental, preventive medicine and veterinarian) is rendered to the Montagnard population. In the area. A number of individuals are being trained by the 4^th Medical Battalion personnel in basic first aid. Also, several young Montagnards have attended the Le Trung District Medical Course sponsored by the Government of Vietnam.