Living in the Deep: What They Don’t Tell You About Submarine Service

#29: Submarine Healthcare is Less Than Ideal

Healthcare aboard submarines presents unique challenges. There’s typically only one corpsman on board—not a doctor, but a Navy-trained specialist prepared mostly for emergencies. Their training focuses on triage, stabilization, and keeping the crew mission-ready.

Medical care is essential and centered on managing symptoms rather than providing complete treatment. Severe conditions are often masked or managed quietly to avoid disqualifying someone from duty. The priority is always operational readiness, even if that means pushing through illness.

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