Hand Injury

[Dude]

I recently (June 15, 2020) got a deep cut on the palm of my hand and had to get two sutures on my Palm. I am unable to put any weight on my palm and am supposed to get them removed in about two weeks (June 29, 2020). With BCT starting in 9 days, what should I do? Do I contact someone to let them know of my condition? It’s not a serious injury and I should be back to normal and fully functioning in about a week and a half.

 

[skiergirl24]

You will have to be carrying a lot of things in your left hand on I-day...but if it's your right palm that is injured, you should be okay. PT shouldn't start for 2-3 days or so after you get there to allow for some acclimation if I remember correctly. With COVID, it might be even longer until you guys have PT. Definitely make your cadre aware of it when you arrive. It sounds like you will need to visit the clinic (maybe hospital on base) to get them removed, so just make your cadre aware of that and any limitations. They will likely send you down to the clinic to get something called a Form 18 which limits your participation in certain activities due to an injury, and then you will go there at least one more time to follow up once you are fully functioning again.

 

[justdoit19]

I believe you are required to report injuries received. Stitches would qualify! They will be noticed
During in processing, and they would wonder why you didn’t report the change in your medical status...so certainly I would suggest you report your injury.

I know for USNA, it states right on the appointment/portal that ‘any change in medical status needs to be reported’. I would suspect those instructions would be the same or similar for USAFA medical status.

 

[Capt MJ]

I recently (June 15, 2020) got a deep cut on the palm of my hand and had to get two sutures on my Palm. I am unable to put any weight on my palm and am supposed to get them removed in about two weeks (June 29, 2020). With BCT starting in 9 days, what should I do? Do I contact someone to let them know of my condition? It’s not a serious injury and I should be back to normal and fully functioning in about a week and a half.

Back to the primary source:

Medical Examinations | Medical Requirements | U.S. Air Force Academy

The DoDMERB determines the medical qualification of Air Force Academy applicants. Here's how to prepare for your qualifying medical examination.

www.academyadmissions.com

Skim down to the “after the examination” guidance.