What is a PALMAR?

The concept of a PALMAR, a combat medical extraction unit which I serve in, is a far cry from the popular image of field hospitals portrayed in American TV series such as M*A*S*H (MASH is an anacronym for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, and it was very appropriate for American military at that time in history in both Korea and Vietnam).

In Israel, by contrast, where speed and efficiency are paramount, we serve as the medical cavalry, ready to respond swiftly to the needs of our wounded soldiers. Working in tandem with the elite Air Force Search and Rescue Unit 669, we provide rapid medical response and evacuation for our troops in the field.

When a soldier is injured in Gaza or Lebanon, we are on standby, waiting to swoop in and provide life-saving care. Whether it’s an individual soldier or a mass casualty event, our unit springs into action, triaging the wounded and providing critical medical care. The arrival of our PALMAR unit infuses hope and relief in the troops, amidst chaos and conflict. Standing on the front lines, we are ready to face whatever challenges come our way. The stories of our soldiers, each one with their unique journey and personal sacrifices, remind us of the strength and resilience that define who we are, and the dedication and courage that unite us in our mission. Lt. Colonel “D” summed it up: “When the troops see us coming, they know that they can get back to fighting because the door to the hospital has just been opened.”

The need for a PALMAR unit was shaped by the need for swift medical care on the battlefield. Founded in the aftermath of Operation Protective Edge, a major IDF military operation in Gaza in 2014, the unit was born out of necessity and a commitment to saving lives under the most challenging circumstances. Lt. Colonel “D,” the commander of the medical units, shared insights into the unique role of the PALMAR unit, highlighting the importance of speed and efficiency in providing critical care to wounded soldiers.

The mission of the PALMAR unit is clear: to provide rapid medical response and evacuation for the wounded, ensuring that every soldier receives the care they need in the shortest amount of time possible. The statistics speak volumes about the impact of their work, with a low casualty rate and a high rate of successful evacuations by air and land. The dedication and skill of the medical staff, coupled with the swift response of the Air Rescue Unit, 669, have been instrumental in saving many lives and significantly reducing the fatality rate on the battlefield.

The speed of evacuation, the highly trained medical staff, the uninterrupted treatment from injury site to hospital bed, and the technological innovation all play a crucial role in the success of the PALMAR unit. The seamless coordination of care, from the moment a soldier is wounded to the moment they enter the operating room, is a confirmation of the dedication and expertise of the medical team. Specialized software and communication devices enable real-time updates on the patient’s condition, ensuring that every step of the treatment process is closely monitored and managed.

The innovative approach of the PALMAR unit, from embedded physicians to the use of real blood for transfusions, makes it a leader in military medical care. The presence of surgeons, haematologists, and portable ultrasound scanners ensures that every soldier receives the best possible care, even under the most challenging circumstances. The digital recording and communication system, which tracks every aspect of a soldier’s treatment from the moment of injury to their arrival at the hospital, is another aspect of the unit’s commitment to excellence and efficiency.

The dedication and courage of the PALMAR soldiers, who serve on the front lines, is seen in every life they save and every soldier they care for. Their unwavering commitment to their mission, their compassion for their fellow soldiers, and their relentless pursuit of excellence make them true heroes in every sense of the word.

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The above article features  an extract from my new book, Heroes of Palmar: How one IDF Unit Revolutionized Combat Medicine in Gaza,  which is published by Gefen Publishing House and is available either from gefen.com or amazon.com.