At higher echelons, the medical capabilities and medical surveillance capabilities also increase. Regardless of the source of medical surveillance, important health incidents or findings are recorded and reported. Within the operational area, the command surgeon and preventive medicine staff advise the commander of significant surveillance results. As the reports are transmitted to higher headquarters, they are consolidated and reported to the next higher headquarters. Statistical rates and reports are then produced that are used to update assessments and policies and to develop technical guides and doctrine for future operations.
Medical personnel provide advice to the commander on possible outcomes from acceptance of risk.
For example, a unit moved into a field site to conduct operations. Preventive medicine personnel conducted a survey of the area and found that the soil in a small area was contaminated with a toxic industrial chemical. The commander was advised to select an alternate location for occupancy or only use areas of the site that were contamination free by restricting access to hazardous areas. The commander opted to use the recommended portion to establish operations but permitted one platoon to setup their billeting immediately adjacent to the contaminated area. Had the commander enforced the recommended preventive measures, these personnel would have been available for duty rather than receiving treatment.