The role of the flight surgeon in Greece.

ABSTRACT

From 1915 [corrected], the first time a flight surgeon participated in an aeromedical evacuation, to the present, the role has become more fundamental by working in wars and operations, experiencing search and rescue aeromedical evacuations from mass accidents or motor accidents, treating seriously ill individuals, and caring for wounded victims of attacks either at the scene or at the hospital. The improvements in cognitive and technological standards of medical science and in the education available have contributed in upgrading the role of flight surgeons; however, their presence in flight is considered essential in 20-60% of aeromedical evacuations, with the remainder of the flights being covered by paramedical personnel. In the Greek territory, the development of Air Force medicine began with the U.S. education of Panagiotis Korombilis, founder of the Center for Flight Crew Health Examination in 1936. In 1976, the Air Force Medical Center was established in the General Air Force Hospital while the educational and medical work of Air Force physicians led to the development of Air Force Medicine and supported Olympic Airways and Military Air Force development, which provides aircraft and personnel for patient aeromedical evacuations. An organized aeromedical evacuation system based on the National Health System, however, began operating in 1982 and was upgraded in 1994. Currently, the flight surgeon's work remains important in supporting the Military Air Force by offering regular examinations at the Air Force Medical Center for all personnel flying on civil and military aircrafts, and by educating all the Greek territory and Cypriot Air Force surgeons (of the National Emergency Assistance Center and the Military Services) at the Air Force Medical Center. Their presence at Air Force bases is important, as is their support of the overall well-being of flight personnel, their assistance in upholding the territory's future by improving aircraft and equipment and by purchasing search-rescue aeromedical evacuation helicopters and hospital aeromedical transportation aircraft capable of transporting seriously ill patients, their promotion of collaboration with other countries in educating Air Force surgeons, and in support of valuable human life according to the Hippocratic Oath.