Who typically staffs an AE mission crew?

• A. A flight nurse or physician assistant/physician, a flight medic, and an entirely civilian ground support team, with no medical control.
• B. A flight nurse or physician assistant/physician with a flight medic or nurse, plus an aviation crew, and a medical control or supervisor.
• C. A surgeon and flight nurse with no dedicated medical control.
• D. A single paramedic flying unaccompanied.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that aeromedical evacuation missions rely on a combined medical and aviation team with clear medical oversight. Typically, the crew includes a flight nurse or physician assistant/physician working with a flight medic or nurse to provide on-board clinical care, while an aviation crew handles the aircraft and safety tasks. Medical control or a supervisor oversees the care plan, decisions, and coordination with receiving facilities. This setup ensures continuous, high-quality patient care during flight and safe transport. The other options miss essential elements: either they omit medical oversight, rely on civilian ground support only, or place insufficient medical staff on board, or have a single clinician flying alone.