Retrospective Case Series of Five Nontraumatic Deaths Among U.S. Air Force Basic Military Trainees (1997–2007)

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Basic military training is both physically and mentally demanding. New recruits represent a young and relatively healthy subpopulation of individuals, and premature mortality is rare. The purpose of this retrospective case series is to discuss the causes of nontraumatic deaths among U.S. Air Force Basic Military Trainees (BMTs) at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Study Objective: The study objective is to describe the demographic, environmental, and clinical factors associated with nontraumatic deaths among BMTs. Methods: Data were extracted from medical records and autopsy reports. Results: During the time period of 1997 to 2007, there were 5 nontraumatic deaths. Conclusion: Implementation of new policies or revisions to existing policies has reduced the number of nontraumatic deaths in the U.S. Air Force BMT population.