By Kang Seung-woo
The Korean Army plans to deploy a medic to each platoon in front-line general outpost divisions (GOP).
Currently, only one medical non-commissioned officer (NCO) and two medics are assigned to company-level units.
"In an emergency situation, it is difficult to dispatch medical staff and deal quickly with patients for topographical reasons," an officer said. "Every platoon of the GOP divisions will gradually have a medic."
The Army is set to push for the plan in line with another scheme to assign an NCO emergency medical technician to company-level units by 2016.
According to the Army, all medical and pouch kits of platoons at the GOPs were replaced or supplemented last month, while every platoon will have automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). About 90,000 combat first-aid kits will be provided to the GOP divisions.
The Army is speeding up the establishment of an airborne medical evacuation unit to be operational by April 2015. The unit will use eight medevac helicopters, a medical evacuation variant of the nation's first indigenous utility helicopter Surion.
The moves are part of efforts to give patients the best chance of survival.
With the addition of a weather radar, auxiliary fuel tank and other equipment, each chopper will be able to carry six patients at a time.
In August, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) selected Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which makes the Surion, as primary negotiating partner for the project, which will cost 32 billion won ($30.5 million).
The Army also intends to introduce medical examinations and treatment for soldiers in remote areas.