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Once a soldier is suspected of having a Combat Stress Reaction it is imperative that he be seen by a medical assistant or Medical Officer to determine whether his problem is due to a physical illness or is indeed a stress reaction. If indeed he is sick then he will go through the usual medical chain through the UMS and the field hospital as shown here in the diagram. But should he be considered fit other than having a temporary stress reaction, then he is not sick, he is not crazy or a malinger, he is just a normal person going through an abnormal situation and he needs temporary help. This is done within the unit at a unit echelon location. He is not put in with the medical patients and he is not evacuated using an ambulance. He goes through the normal unit echelon chain to a rear position where, if possible, he will receive a chance to rest and perhaps some counselling by the unit Stress Reaction Team. Depending on the tactical situation and the severity of the symptoms he may then be sent to the stress recovery centre which would be set up still in theatre but at a safe location. We know from past conflicts that over 80% of the Combat Stress Reaction casualties will recover in 24 to 72 hours and will be able to return to their units. In the case of United Nations operations the soldiers will be sent back to Canada if they are suffering from a stress reaction. They will be kept in theatre and kept with their units. So you can see there is nothing to be gained by faking such symptoms because you can be staying in the location any ways.
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