9 Line MEDEVAC

BREAK BREAK BREAK

Reference: TC 3-21.76 (Ranger Handbook)

Overview

During patrols, you may encounter friendly casualties and need to request a medical evacuation. The 9 Line MEDEVAC is the standard format to request evac of personnel.

Structure

The 9 Line request is transmitted one line at a time. Lines 1–5 are required to launch the aircraft; Lines 6–9 can be sent while the aircraft is en route. Transmit with 100% accuracy and use proper phonetics. Always pronounce numbers digit-by-digit (e.g., “fife” for 5, “tree” for 3).

Line 1 – Location of Pickup Site

8-digit grid coordinates of the pickup site (include grid-zone designator to avoid confusion). Example: “Echo Golf three two three four five five four four” (EG 3234 5544)

Line 2 – Radio Frequency, Call Sign, and Suffix

Frequency of the radio at the pickup site + call sign (and suffix if used) of the person to be contacted. The RTO provides this info beforehand. Example: “Three fife zero zero, Trident tree” (3500)

Line 3 – Number of Patients by Precedence

• A – URGENT (within 2 hours)
• B – URGENT (requires surgical care)
• C – PRIORITY (within 4 hours)
• D – ROUTINE (within 24 hours)
• E – CONVENIENCE

Insert “BREAK” between categories. Example: “Two Alpha, BREAK, one Charlie”

Line 4 – Special Equipment Required

• A – None
• B – Hoist
• C – Extraction equipment
• D – Ventilator

Example: “Charlie”

Line 5 – Number of Patients by Type

• L + number – Litter (cannot walk)
• A + number – Ambulatory (can sit/walk)

Insert “BREAK” between litter and ambulatory. Example: “Lima two, BREAK, Alpha one”

Line 6 – Security of Pickup Site (Wartime)

• N – No enemy troops in area
• P – Possible enemy troops
• E – Enemy troops in area (approach with caution)
• X – Enemy troops in area (armed escort required)

Line 6 – Number and Type of Wound, Injury, or Illness (Peacetime)

Specific info (e.g., “gunshot wound to chest”).

Line 7 – Method of Marking Pickup Site

• A – Panels (VS-17)
• B – Pyrotechnic signal
• C – Smoke signal
• D – None
• E – Other

Line 8 – Patient Nationality and Status

No need to indicate number of personnel per category

• A – U.S. Military
• B – U.S. Civilian
• C – Non-U.S. Military
• D – Non-U.S. Civilian
• E – Enemy Prisoner of War

Example: “Alpha, BREAK, Bravo”

Line 9 – CBRN Contamination (Wartime)

• C – Chemical
• B – Biological
• R – Radiological
• N – Nuclear

Transmit only if applicable

Line 9 – Terrain Description (Peacetime)

Describe landing zone features (e.g., “open field, 50m x 50m, power lines to the north”).

TCCC Card

Most 9 Line info comes from the TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) card filled out by the combat lifesaver or medic.

Putting It All Together – Full Example

You are Trident 3. You have casualties after contact.

You: “Redbird Main, this is Trident tree, BREAK BREAK BREAK, 9 Line MEDEVAC, over.” Redbird Main: “Trident tree, send it.”

You: “Line 1: Echo Golf three two three four, fife fife four four, over.” “Line 2: Three fife zero zero, Trident tree, over.” “Line 3: Two Alpha, BREAK, one Charlie, over.” “Line 4: Charlie, over.” “Line 5: Lima two, BREAK, Alpha one, over.”

(Wait for aircraft en route, then continue)

“Line 6: Echo, over.” “Line 7: Alpha, over.” “Line 8: Alpha, BREAK, Bravo, over.” “Line 9: November, over.”

Redbird Main: “Trident tree, roger, aircraft inbound, ETA one five minutes, out.”

Here is a video to see it in action

Closing

Calling a 9 Line isn’t hard once you practice. Keep a cheat sheet laminated in your kit. Here’s a printable version: