If you have a spouse or loved one in the military, you are certainly proud and perhaps a bit nervous. Injuries are a real possibility and for those on deployment, especially in combat arms, the risk of being wounded is everpresent.
If this happens, it’s a scary time and you may not know what to do or expect. There are standard procedures for dealing with family when a member of the military is wounded.
You Are Notified First
Should your loved one be wounded, you as family, and/or next of kin will be the first civilian notified. This is part of Department of Defense regulations and the loved one’s chain of command will also be notified. This gives you multiple points of contact to get information. Wounded personnel are typically moved to Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland as soon as possible.
You Get a Phone Call
Notification of a wounded loved one is made by phone call to share the information as quickly and efficiently as possible. If your injured family member is able to, they will be placed on the call to speak to you and reassure you.
Protocol for Severe Injuries
If the injuries suffered by your loved one are severe, they may not be cleared for transport. In that case, you may be allowed to travel to the local hospital where treatment is being administered. The severity of the image, the condition of the wounded, the safety of the hospital zone, and how soon your injured loved one can be moved are factors that determine whether or not you can visit.
Regular Updates
The military will not keep you in the dark. You will receive regular updates on your loved one’s recovery and condition as well as how soon you will be able to visit.
A loved one being wounded on active duty is distressing and frightening. The armed forces have protocols in place to provide treatment and keep you and your family apprised of the situation at all times.