I remember in the late 60's being in the bar at RAF Salalah with a day off in front 0f us when, at about 2300, the SDO came in and announced that there had been a major fire on a merchant vessel where one of the 5hips Officers had received severe burns and required immediate Aeromedical evacuation to the hospital in Bahrein - which was the only hospital in the Gulf.
There was no alternative, we had to go. That, incidentally, was our decision because,at that time of night,there was no way we could get in contact with HQ Gulf to get approval.
The Patient survived; and I got to meet the only person who has won a VC & Bar and lived - but thats another story.