Korean War

The development of helicopters during and after the Second World War proved the value and utility of rotary wing aircraft in combat situations. So much so that the Army, Navy and Air Force all set up their own helicopter development units.

This enabled a shift in how critical care was delivered in combat. During previous conflicts, medical stations had to be as close to the front line as possible to shorten the path to care. This led to obvious risks and compromises in both treatment and conditions.  The advent of medevac helicopter meant that field hospitals could be set up in central locations and have patients delivered to them. That meant better care, better conditions and the ability to recover after operations before being evacuated. That alone saved hundreds of lives.