Wilderness and Rescue Medicine 7th Edition Jeffrey Isaac, PA-C and David E. Johnson, MD

Section VII: Roles, Responsibilities, and Technology 249

Chapter 35 Review: Training for Performance

• Only 10 to 15 percent of people panic under pressure, while another 10 to 15 percent will perform very effectively. The other 70 to 80% of people will actually do very little to save themselves or others. • If a person has no prior experiences or relevant training the person remains frozen (bewildered) as the brain considers what to do. • Research consistently shows that, by minimizing surprises and by modifying training techniques, we can improve the chances that first responders will perform well when it counts. • People’s abilities to think and reason deteriorate in highly stressful situations, and this reality should be expected and anticipated. • People perform as they practice, at best, and rarely does a person’s proficiency improve when under pressure. • If possible, realistic scenarios and drills should be used to enhance habits and proficiency. • First responders, who are focusing their attentions on the injured, are often unaware of the fear and anxiety they inadvertently add to scene when they ask loved ones and bystanders to stand back or step aside. • Your own performance as a rescuer can be a hazard or a benefit depending on your response. By anticipating and training for the problems associated with high-intensity situations, you and your team can be better prepared for the realities associated with true crises.

“…in order for training to be effective, it must be as realistic as possible.”