Defence explained: The seven stages of the medical care pathway

A soldier is wounded in Afghanistan. He carries his own field dressings and morphine, and will be attended initially by the team medic who is trained to deliver "enhanced" first aid. If too serious to be dealt with in the field, a call for assistance will be flashed to Bastion.

A medical emergency response team, including an anaesthetist, A&E specialist, medics and force protection soldiers travel to the scene in a Chinook helicopter. Two Apaches provide security. The median time from injury to arrival at Bastion is 99 mins for the worst injuries.

Bastion's hospital offers an intensive care facility, surgery, A&E, physiotherapy, dental and mental health care. It has CT and X-ray equipment and can provide blood transfusions. An even more capable coalition hospital is located at Kandahar.

If the patient needs more medical care or if a period of recovery prohibits return to duty, he is evacuated to the UK aboard specially equipped RAF aircraft. The aeromed teams are trained to deal with medical conditions that may be exacerbated by high altitude.

In the UK, patients needing more treatment are usually taken to Selly Oak Hospital. NHS staff are augmented by about 240 clinical military staff, delivering the whole range of medical care. When clinically appropriate, patients are cared for in a military managed ward.

Patients recovering from orthopaedic and neurological problems may be moved to Headley Court, which hosts the unique limb Fitting and Amputee Centre, that ensures prosthetic limbs are correctly fitted. Patients may then be transferred to regional rehabilitation units.

The goal is always to return injured personnel to duty. That may not always be possible, in which case continued support eases their return to civilian life. The majority of patients return to duty and increasingly even amputees are finding that their careers are not over.