Will my son be discharged after passing out in reception and being taken to the hospital?

2023-08-13T18:19:30-04:00

My son left 8/8 called me today stating that he passed out yesterday while training and was taken to the hospital on back with his platoon in reception he said he chest was tight and it was hard to breathe. Temp with heat index was 105. I think he might have over pushed himself running. He said he has to sign papers tomorrow and worries he could he be getting discharged because of it. Nothing was said to him about what kind of paperwork. No one in the platoon has received IDs or anything yet. What's your thoughts?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2023 6:28 PM

2023-08-13T18:28:17-04:00

Carrie Latimer Did your son tell you what papers he is supposed to sign? As hard as it is, you need to wait to see what develops.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 13 at 2023 9:04 PM

2023-08-13T21:04:07-04:00

It is highly unlikely.

Heat injuries happen. They suck. But most of the time we don't hold them against the person who got injured. (Unless it was due to him refusing to follow guidance or something like that.)

Now, if the hospital uncovers some sort of medical deficiency which was not found at MEPS, that may be different. But generally speaking, he will recover and get back to training. Maybe have to spend a bit more time in Basic while he recovers and gets into a new training cycle, but probably not discharged.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2023 10:25 PM

2023-08-13T22:25:16-04:00

Without knowing what papers he signed, all I can say it highly unlikely he'll get discharged. It's Jackson in the summer. Heat will affect a lot of people.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 13 at 2023 10:42 PM

2023-08-13T22:42:54-04:00

Without knowing more it’s impossible to even guess what happened or what May be happening moving forward.

What we do know is that it isn’t unheard of recruits/privates passing out or going down for heat. It happens pretty much everyday. Somebody will be dehydrated, too hot or something else and may need help. It happens. But without knowing what papers and the details of his time at the hospital it’s all a guessing game.

I would just wait and see at this point. The good news is that he is being treated and taken care of.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Aug 13 at 2023 10:48 PM

2023-08-13T22:48:12-04:00

Carrie Latimer, I hope your son is doing much better. On the presumption that this was a heat related injury, if he was admitted to the hospital for treatment might the "discharge" paperwork simply be discharge from the hospital?

If this was a heat-related injury he is likely to receive a medical recommendation that imposes a 'temporary' training restriction on his activities so he can recuperate while still participating in training within the limits imposed by his medical caregivers. This documentation is a customary practice and your Son will receive this paperwork, which includes a signature block for his commander to sign.

Alternatively, should this be an injury that necessitates comprehensive physical therapy for complete rehabilitation, he could be temporarily reassigned to a unit focussed on expedited recovery and reintegration back into training. This paperwork is NOT discharge from the Army paperwork; the goal is to get the Trainee back to a fit for duty status and back into training.

Medical discharges during U.S. Army basic training do occur in cases where it is the recommendation from the medical caregiver (Doctor). These are cases of serious injuries, and this is not the read I get from your comment above.

Medical discharges can also occur in cases where a Trainee's pre-service injury surfaces within the initial six months of Active Duty (injuries not disclosed during recruitment and reception into the Army). Based on the type of injury, the Soldier may face administrative separation per Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 5. The Soldier can petition for a waiver to continue Active Duty as per Army Regulation 635-40, chapter 5, or the Soldier can be referred to evaluation by a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). The subject of an MEB discussion is an entirely distinct matter. I hope this last paragraph is not relevant to your Son.

Response by Sgt Sheri Lynn made Aug 14 at 2023 4:03 AM

2023-08-14T04:03:14-04:00

I had a similar experience. Was treated for my symptoms, then right back to training. I learned to take better care of my health… hydrate, hydrate, and less scrambled eggs at chow time!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2023 8:15 AM

2023-08-14T08:15:55-04:00

We had an airman pass out in Security Forces school. It was bloody hot in San Antonio and she wasn't drinking enough water. The instructors got her back on her feet, got her immediate medical attention, then wouldn't let her walk past a bottle of water for the rest of the course. "Airman Fox! I'm thirsty!" and she would have to finish a bottle right there.

She was fine. Never had another problem and graduated with the rest of us. I'm sure your son will be the same.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Aug 14 at 2023 2:09 PM

2023-08-14T14:09:49-04:00

Depends on what they find out. I passed out in basic - Ft Leonardwood. July - Sept. Hot as f* in July. They just gave me some water and then when I was fine, I finished getting my weapon. I didn't sign anything...I never even got classified as a heat casualty but this was 2004.

No one can know or even begin to hypothesize what it is without being there. He'll tell you if he gets discharged but it doesn't happen that fast.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Aug 14 at 2023 3:18 PM

2023-08-14T15:18:42-04:00

Probably get and IV to get rehydrated, get his body temp down, and then return to duty. IMHO.

Response by CPL Derrick Grady Sr. made Aug 15 at 2023 2:31 AM

2023-08-15T02:31:15-04:00

Let him know to go speak to the IG and see what is going on. IG is the Inspector General. Unless they found something related to his health they should let him know if they did.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2023 5:31 PM

2023-08-15T17:31:16-04:00

I doubt he will get discharged. If he meets retention standards in accordance with AR 40-501 he will not be subject to any admin actions.

The paperwork is likely a counseling statement related to heat injury prevention. This is a formal way of communicating pertinent information. They will also likely make him wear something that identifies him as a prior heat injury. This is so the Drill Sergeants can keeep an eye on him during hard training in the heat. He’ll probably make it to graduation just fine.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 15 at 2023 5:44 PM

2023-08-15T17:44:19-04:00

Has there been an update?

Response by Carrie Latimer made Aug 16 at 2023 3:21 PM

2023-08-16T15:21:53-04:00

Update: so I just found out my son has asthma and will be home within the next 2 weeks. Thank You everyone for your words of encouragement.

Response by SGT David Schrader made Aug 30 at 2023 7:05 PM

2023-08-30T19:05:56-04:00

After your son is medically cleared and discharged from the hospital he will more than likely be returned to training. Depending on how much training he missed, he might have to make up lost training days.
Good luck and hope he is doing well.