Reacting in Emergencies
Inevitably in life, we’re bound to run into an emergency-like situation. Handling such situations with poise and confidence can make such a difference, both for the people involved and for yourself.
Facing a sudden emergency, no matter the exact situation, is very similar to stage fright. Your body may freeze and lock up. Or you may go into overdrive, talking a lot, feeling the need to be in constant movement. No matter the case, you may find your heart starts to race, palms go sweaty, and your hands may shake. This is all completely normal. Here are a few simple steps to help you in the face of emergencies:
Take a deep breath - Seriously. Deep breath. Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. This physical relief can make such a difference for both your body and mind. It allows oxygen to the brain, helping to send signals of safety. It is one step in calming your body - helping the shaking and heart pounding. If you feel frozen, a few deep breaths can help relax your body and let it know it is safe to move again.
Take a mental breath - No, it’s not the same as when you physically inhale and exhale, but it’s more of a preparation for your mind. As you physically inhale, tell yourself a few things that can help calm your mind. In emergencies, this may be words like “Deep breath, remember to breathe.” Also, it’s okay to acknowledge what you’re about to face. Words like, “This is going to be difficult, but you can do it.” Self-affirmations before facing a difficult situation is like oxygen for the brain. By acknowledging the situation, its difficulty, and reaffirming that you can make it through, you are allowing your mind a brief reprieve, reminding it that you can face what’s to come.
Try to think before you speak - This is going to be very difficult, but entirely possible. When faced with an emergency, you don’t want to make yourself panic or the others around you. Everyone’s nerves will be high and minds reeling. The words you use and the things you say aloud can impact the feelings and reactions of others. If someone is hurt, ranting about how bad their injuries are and how much it must hurt may only make them feel worse. If a friend is experiencing a sudden trauma and you speak all of your thoughts out loud from your own panic, it may sound to them like you don’t understand their situation, and they could be hurt by what you say. This is why it’s so important to take notice of the people and situation around you and to think before you speak.
Taking these three steps can make such a difference when facing an emergency situation. It takes mere moments that can help prepare your body and mind before stepping into a high adrenaline situation.
Challenges/Points:
No one is ever prepared for an emergency, it’s alright that your body reacts the way it does.
There are steps you can take to better prepare yourself in the first few moments of an emergency.
If you’re nervous in certain situations, even if they are not emergencies, practice these three steps to see how they help you.
Questions:
Can you recall a high-stress situation where these steps may have been helpful?
Have you experienced an emergency or high-stress situation where you or another implemented these steps?
How did you see it change how the situation was handled?
How can you use these three tips in everyday life, outside of emergencies?
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