Managing Stress and Critical Decision-making in High-pressure Situations

This chapter explores a critical care scenario involving a patient with severe burns and the challenges faced in providing care, including difficulties with airway management and the decision to perform a cricothyroidotomy. It delves into techniques to manage stress during high-stress situations, such as vagal induction breathing, positive self-talk, and personalized power phrases. The discussion also highlights the importance of breathing techniques like pursed lip exhalation to trigger a vagal response and reduce stress levels.