Posted on Mar 6, 2020
Is it possible to retain a soldier with a peanut allergy?
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I currently have a soldier that has a peanut allergy. When I first got to this unit, command did a check to ensure everyone was rocking the correct dog tags. He notified me that he didn’t possess a red one for his allergy. Of course, I made him get one. Now battalion medical has caught wind of this and has requested documentation so they can refer him to an NDR-PEB, and they are planning on listing him P3.
At the end of the day, this has not affected unit readiness and the ability to complete missions. Our section is tracking the issue and takes necessary precautions, which amount to don’t force peanuts down his throat. I’m horrified that this is an issue I accidentally created, and I would like to retain this soldier, as he’s outstanding and thoroughly competent. While I understand that at the end of the day the battalion surgeon will make his decision and that will be that, I would like advice and recommendations on how I can exhaust every possible opportunity to keep him in the service.
At the end of the day, this has not affected unit readiness and the ability to complete missions. Our section is tracking the issue and takes necessary precautions, which amount to don’t force peanuts down his throat. I’m horrified that this is an issue I accidentally created, and I would like to retain this soldier, as he’s outstanding and thoroughly competent. While I understand that at the end of the day the battalion surgeon will make his decision and that will be that, I would like advice and recommendations on how I can exhaust every possible opportunity to keep him in the service.
Infantry
Health
Retention
Sergeant
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 7
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Honestly, you have already done the right thing. As much as you want to retain this Soldier and he could be high speed soldier, the best thing you can do is take care of his health first. If it is determined that he can stay you have done your job. If it is determined he isn't fit for military service, you have done your job. This Soldiers health should be your first and only priority. let the Medical Professionals determine the rest. You wouldn't be able to forgive yourself if he/she was in the field and had an allergic reaction that could have been avoided.
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SPC Linda Chandler
Yes after all the EpiPen cost over $800 to give to our soldiers, this may be a way for the stupid people to lower the price so he can serve his country.
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SPC Erich Guenther
SPC Linda Chandler - Really? Now how would I get EpiPen resupplied while at a remote fire base cutoff by bad weather or the enemy? Lets say I am taken captive by a country that does not have EpiPen or much in the way of medical infrastructure......what then? EpiPens are OK for some but not all. Depends on the severity of the allergy and how quickly the symptoms hit, etc.
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SPC Linda Chandler
it’s the same for anyone who is active duty. It’s not just the Epi-pen Spc Guenther how about the soldier who has high blood pressure, Diabetes, or a psychological problems such as depression bipolar or any other conditions. There meds are sent to them in the field. So instead of jumping in what I said how about checking out how others are treated in the field with medical conditions. The field units are sent the meds and they give the soldiers a weeks worth or more depending how far they are from the units. So, what happens if they’re cutoff by back weather or the enemy, what then? Pls don’t tell me the guy next to you doesn’t take some form of meds!!
Now having a allergic reaction is much worse because it happens right away and the other conditions in most cases happen over time but they can all end up in the person dead having a stroke or a heart attack, or running out of meds.
Every person is different. Every case is different.
Now having a allergic reaction is much worse because it happens right away and the other conditions in most cases happen over time but they can all end up in the person dead having a stroke or a heart attack, or running out of meds.
Every person is different. Every case is different.
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SSG (Join to see) Why not see if they can treat the soldier's allergy? There have been tests where they have been able to cure the allergy, using the peanut oil. Maybe the med community will look at the case as a chance to solve something rather than tossing them. BTW, you did the right thing getting the right tags and shouldn't feel guilty about it. This should have been handled before, and you would rather it be this than another type of board if the soldier had a severe reaction, where it is you as the leader on the wrong side of the green table...
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Yea. It's possible. They just have to be aware of what contains peanuts and have an epi-pen on them at all times.
No RED TAG until recently? How did they never have a red tag until now?
No RED TAG until recently? How did they never have a red tag until now?
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