Section C Force Protection and Medical Administration

Nov 18, 2025
4 min read

Index

Introduction
The Importance of Medical Administration in Operational Readiness
Operating an Effective Recall System for Vaccinations & Medical Examinations
Supporting Immunisation & Vaccination Programmes
Clinical Knowledge: Vaccine Schedules, Side Effects & Herd Immunity
Understanding and Supporting the Hearing Conservation Programme
Joining and Drafting Processes: Medical Requirements & Integration
Navigating the FMed Series & Evidence-Based Clinical Practice
NOTICAS: Accurate Casualty Reporting through JPA
Aeromedical Evacuation & Patient Movement Requests
VSI, SI & ILL Administrative Procedures
Communication with Emergency Contacts & Next of Kin (JCCC Processes)
Dangerously Ill Forwarding of Relatives (DILFOR)
Maintaining Manual & Electronic Healthcare Records
Conclusion

Introduction

At Kraken Medical, we understand that exceptional clinical care extends beyond hands-on treatment—effective medical administration is a critical pillar of operational readiness, patient safety, and organisational resilience. The Royal Navy’s medical administration processes exemplify how structured systems, rigorous protocols, and compassionate communication converge to support personnel and ensure continuity of care.

This blog explores the core competencies involved in Force Protection and Medical Administration, reflecting on key skills, clinical insights, and professional development gained through practical experience. These processes highlight how meticulous administration directly enhances patient outcomes and organisational readiness.

The Importance of Medical Administration in Operational Readiness

Medical administration is not simply paperwork—it is a clinical safeguard. Accurate records, timely assessments, and structured communication systems ensure that personnel remain medically fit, protected, and ready for deployment. Every process, from vaccination recall systems to emergency communication protocols, underpins organisational readiness and patient safety.

Operating an Effective Recall System for Vaccinations & Medical Examinations

Establishing and managing a recall system for routine vaccinations and specialist examinations is essential in a military environment. Key responsibilities included:

Maintaining accurate vaccination and medical histories
Ensuring timely follow-up and scheduling
Collaborating closely with medical personnel
Upholding strict record-keeping protocols

This system prevented lapses in medical readiness and fostered a culture of preventive healthcare. It ensured that every member received necessary assessments promptly, strengthening both individual health and overall operational capability.

Supporting Immunisation & Vaccination Programmes

Maintaining vaccination programmes involves more than administering injections. The role required:

Coordinating vaccination sessions
Informing personnel of schedules
Managing vaccine storage and cold-chain protocols
Documenting all administered vaccines accurately

This combination of administrative precision and clinical awareness ensured vaccine efficacy, compliance with protocols, and smooth operational flow.

Clinical Knowledge: Vaccine Schedules, Side Effects & Herd Immunity

A sound understanding of the immunisation landscape is essential for safe and effective practice. Knowledge included:

Age- and risk-based vaccine recommendations
Importance of correct timing and boosters
Recognition and management of common side effects
Understanding the principles of herd immunity

This awareness allowed for confident clinical support, accurate information sharing, and reassurance when concerns arose.

Understanding and Supporting the Hearing Conservation Programme

Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable but significant occupational hazard. Key elements understood and supported included:

Risks associated with prolonged noise exposure
Importance of regular audiometric assessments
Correct selection, use, and maintenance of hearing protection
Promoting compliance and auditory health awareness

Advocating for hearing conservation helped safeguard long-term health and operational effectiveness.

Joining and Drafting Processes: Medical Requirements & Integration

The joining and drafting process ensures personnel are medically fit, well-oriented, and prepared to integrate into operational units. Knowledge included:

Pre-joining health assessments
Identifying pre-existing conditions requiring follow-up
Supporting new joiners through medical orientation
Providing tailored guidance for individuals with specific medical needs

This contributed to a smoother, safer, and more informed transition for all personnel.

Navigating the FMed Series & Evidence-Based Clinical Practice

The FMed series is an essential clinical knowledge base. Experience included:

Locating relevant protocols and policy documents
Applying guidance to ensure consistent, evidence-based care
Supporting colleagues in accessing appropriate documents
Staying updated on changes to practice

This proficiency strengthened clinical governance and standardised high-quality care.

NOTICAS: Accurate Casualty Reporting Through JPA

Raising a NOTICAS through the JPA Casualty Reporting System is a vital responsibility during incidents. Skills demonstrated:

Accurate and timely information entry
Clear communication of incident details
Coordinated liaison with medical, administrative, and command teams
Ensuring rapid and appropriate responses

This process ensured a seamless flow of critical information during emergencies.

Aeromedical Evacuation & Patient Movement Requests

Knowledge of Aeromedical Evacuation procedures, including PMR1 and PMR2, ensured the safe and efficient movement of patients requiring higher levels of care. This required understanding:

Administrative and clinical criteria for evacuation
Accurate completion of essential documentation
Coordination with operational and medical teams

These processes ensured timely access to appropriate clinical environments.

VSI, SI & ILL Administrative Procedures

Managing Very Seriously Ill (VSI), Seriously Ill (SI), and Ill (ILL) cases requires compassion and precision. Responsibilities included:

Updating records promptly
Coordinating clinical care planning
Maintaining open communication across multiple departments
Balancing protocol adherence with empathic, individualised support

This ensured continuity of care while maintaining dignity and sensitivity for affected personnel.

Communication with Emergency Contacts & Next of Kin (JCCC Processes)

Informing Emergency Contacts (EC) and Next of Kin (NOK) is one of the most delicate tasks within military medicine. Key competencies included:

Accurate information verification
Coordinating with the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC)
Delivering clear, compassionate communication
Understanding emotional and situational sensitivities

This process reinforced the value of professional empathy and responsibility.

Dangerously Ill Forwarding of Relatives (DILFOR)

DILFOR procedures are activated when a family member must urgently join a critically ill service person. Knowledge included:

Coordinating logistics, travel and accommodation
Ensuring sensitive communication
Working with relevant authorities
Managing time-critical documentation

This process provides vital support during the most challenging moments.

Maintaining Manual & Electronic Healthcare Records

Accurate documentation is a clinical necessity. Experience included:

Manual record-keeping with precision and confidentiality
Efficient use of electronic medical record systems
Updating assessments, treatments, and medical histories
Ensuring data security and authorised access only

Good record-keeping underpins clinical safety, continuity of care, and medico-legal integrity.

Conclusion

Force Protection and Medical Administration are cornerstones of effective healthcare delivery in high-pressure environments. From vaccination systems to emergency communication and meticulous record-keeping, each process strengthens patient safety and operational readiness.