Have you ever wondered how firefighters and other emergency responders stay composed in high-pressure situations? They get comprehensive emergency response training.
In a recent podcast episode, Leadership 911 founder, Jason Giove, sheds light on the psychology of emergency response and offers practical tips for people to improve their own preparedness.
How Our Brain Typically Operates in Emergencies
Our brains are hardwired with survival instincts, but these instincts can sometimes work against us in emergencies. Jason explains how our normalcy bias (believing things will always be okay), fight-or-flight response, and bandwagon effect (following the crowd) can cloud our judgment and keep us from taking the most effective course of action.
Learn from High Reliability Organizations (HROs)
High Reliability Organizations (HROs), groups like aircraft carrier crews and wildfire response teams, excel at operating safely in complex and unpredictable environments. These organizations share a distinct mindset characterized by:
- An expectation of surprises: HROs view unexpected events as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.
- Challenging assumptions: They avoid simplifying situations and actively question their interpretations of events.
- Rewarding those who come forward and learning from near misses: HROs analyze close calls to identify weaknesses and continuously improve their procedures.
Develop Your Own HRO Mindset
The good news is, anyone can cultivate a more HRO-like approach to emergencies with effective emergency response training.
Here are some tips Jason recommends:
- Invest in Training: Safety training like Disaster preparedness classes, CPR/first aid courses, and even active shooter response training can significantly enhance your ability to respond effectively. And don’t view training as “one-and-done”. Retrain yourself often.
- Pay Attention to Close Calls: Analyze personal “near misses” to identify potential hazards in your daily routine and take steps to mitigate them.
- Disrupt Your Routine: Stepping outside your comfort zone can improve your critical thinking skills and prepare you for the unexpected.
- Leverage Technology: Download emergency preparedness apps like FEMA and Red Cross for real-time information and resources during disasters.
Be Ready, Before, During, and After
Jason emphasizes the importance of preparation across all phases of an emergency:
- Before: Get the right training, build a quick pack with essential supplies, and keep your phone charger handy. Downloading emergency apps is also crucial.
- During: Trust your gut instinct. If you sense danger, take immediate action to remove yourself from the situation.
- After: Following a traumatic event, seeking professional help from a counselor or coach can be invaluable for emotional recovery.
Take Charge of Your Safety with Emergency Response Training
Empowering yourself with knowledge and practical skills is the best way to navigate emergencies with confidence. At Leadership 911, Jason and his team offer a variety of emergency response training programs designed to equip individuals and communities with the tools they need to stay safe.