Being in a military family is not easy, and one of the most difficult challenges is dealing with a deployment injury. As a military family, you never know when your loved one will be called to serve, and you never know when an emergency might happen. Here are some insights that should help you handle your loved one’s injury.
Knowing Where Your Loved One Is
Depending on the severity of the injury, a medical team may evacuate your loved one from active duty to a military hospital or other facility. In some cases, treatment might happen on-site or at a field hospital. Your relative’s unit should provide you information about who to contact to stay updated.
Communicating with the Medical Team
Once you get a hold of medical staff, you should ask for information about your loved one’s condition and treatment plan. Stay in contact so you don’t miss any important updates, especially if you’re not able to visit the facility in person. You should also ask about the process for requesting travel or lodging assistance if you need to visit your loved one. Nonprofit emergency travel services, such as the Luke’s Wings program, can help you with this.
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family
You should also have a plan in place for taking care of yourself and other family members while your loved one is receiving treatment. This may include arranging childcare, taking time off work, or reaching out to family and friends for support. You can also contact military support organizations for assistance and resources.
Dealing with a deployment injury can be overwhelming and stressful. One way to stay positive is to focus on the progress your relative is making in their recovery. Celebrate small victories and milestones, and remember that every step forward is a step in the right direction.
