Boot Camp Injuries: When to Seek and How to Handle Medical Assistance

During basic training or boot camp, it's inevitable that you or someone in your platoon will face minor to major injuries. Whether it's a scraped knee or a more severe cut, the question often arises: When and how should you seek medical assistance? Pivotal to your well-being and performance in training is knowing the right actions to take.

When to Involve the Drill Sergeant with an Injured Knee

It's important to understand the severity of the injury you're dealing with. A superficial scrape that can be covered with a simple bandage doesn't typically warrant the attention of a drill sergeant. However, if the scrape is significant—large enough to require more than a bandage—a serious approach is necessary.

What to Do:

Assess the severity of the scrape before approaching the drill sergeant. Approach the drill sergeant and explain the situation clearly. He has a duty to ensure your well-being and that includes assessing and addressing any injuries. He may choose to examine the injury or suggest that you see a Corpsman in your free time. A Corpsman is a medical professional who can provide more comprehensive care.

Dealing with More Severe Injuries

For more severe injuries, it's crucial to get the appropriate medical treatment right away. This requires proactive steps, as the environment can be chaotic and emergencies may arise.

For example, a window blind incident in basic training can lead to significant injuries, such as a gash that peels back the scalp, or a major injury requiring stitches. In such a situation, a drill sergeant might utilize the event as a training opportunity, but the primary focus should be on seeking immediate medical attention. This could mean waiting for transportation to a hospital or using a Corpsman for interim care.

Handling Minor Injuries Proactively

For minor injuries, you can take proactive measures to manage them yourself. The Army, like most organizations, provides basic medical supplies to help soldiers cope with minor injuries such as scrapes, blisters, and cuts.

Personal First Aid Kit:

Sellotape or medical tape. Mini pair of scissors to cut the tape. Small bandages (e.g., 1x1 and 2x2 gauze squares). Antibacterial cream. Ace bandages for strains, if allowed. Aspirin, if permitted.

After your first two weeks, medical supplies at the PX (Post Exchange) can quickly sell out. As such, it's advisable to bring your own first aid kit to ensure you have the necessary items to treat minor issues.

Additional Tips for Medical Preparedness

Proactively managing minor injuries can help prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. However, it's essential to communicate with your drill sergeant about any injuries.

Communicating with the Drill Sergeant:

Let the drill sergeant know if you're dealing with a more significant injury. Be prepared to provide details about the injury so the drill sergeant can direct appropriate care. Avoid presenting it as a minor issue just to avoid troubling the drill sergeant. You are their responsibility, and they want to ensure you're well.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that you and your platoon members can handle minor injuries effectively and maintain the readiness necessary for rigorous training.

Note that a first aid kit can sometimes be seen as a form of contraband. However, given the potential for minor injuries, it's often more practical to have a personal first aid kit on hand for emergencies.