Deb Ajango, a wilderness medicine and risk management educator, discusses the brain's response in emergencies, the importance of realistic training, managing risks with checklists, and the impact of amygdala size on stress responses in this insightful podcast.
Understanding the inner and outer brain functions aids in emergency preparedness.
Realistic training scenarios improve performance under pressure by reducing cognitive overload.
Realistic stress exposure training enhances performance under pressure by simulating actual conditions.
Deep dives
Understanding the Brain Science of Emergencies
The brain is divided into an inner brain and an outer brain, each serving different functions. The inner brain, responsible for automated functions like regulating heartbeat and maintaining homeostasis, operates quickly and instinctively in emergency situations. The outer brain, evolved over the last few hundred thousand years, allows for goal-setting and higher cognitive functions. Understanding how these brain regions function under stress can help in preparing for emergency responses.
Training Techniques and Cognitive Overload Management
In highly stressful situations, the brain experiences cognitive overload, affecting decision-making abilities. Research suggests that multitasking is challenging in emergencies, and individuals tend to rely on habits and routines. By creating realistic training scenarios, involving stressors like lack of sleep and surprises, individuals can practice and develop preferred behaviors to improve performance under pressure.
Improving Performance and Mitigating Mistakes in Emergencies
Anders Ericsson's expertise theory emphasizes the need to recognize what 'perfect' performance looks like to improve skills effectively. Beginners often struggle to evaluate their own performance accurately. Getting feedback from experts and following routines can enhance emergency response performance. Creating realistic training experiences and applying stress-management techniques like deep breathing and laughter can help reduce stress and improve cognitive function in crisis situations.
Effective Training Methods from Military Studies
Training methodologies derived from military studies post-World War II emphasize the importance of realistic stress exposure training. Soldiers trained solely by shooting at stationary targets struggled in real combat scenarios due to inadequate preparation. This led to a shift towards realistic, live fire training using simulated environments with paint guns, mimicking actual combat conditions. This approach, adopted by various disciplines like firefighters and police, highlights the significance of realistic simulations in enhancing performance under pressure.
Importance of Checklist and Quality Practice in Emergency Response
Checklists play a crucial role in emergency response, aiding in decision-making and reducing errors under intense situations. High-quality practice and routine behaviors, akin to automated tasks like tying shoes, enable individuals to perform effectively even under stress. Effective risk management involves considering various factors such as terrain features, weather conditions, equipment use, human factors, and applying strategies to prevent accidents. Neuropeptide Y, along with amygdala size, influences post-traumatic stress recovery, emphasizing the significance of scientific advancements in addressing psychological responses to traumatic events.
Deb Ajango is a world-class wilderness medicine and risk management educator. Deb's teaching is so effective (as recognized by several national awards) because she combines her extensive experience with brain science—an understanding of how our brains learn, respond, and are best prepared for emergencies.
Deb talks about how the brain works, what ideal training looks like, and how best to prepare for emergencies.
This recording is from a guest presentation in the Start & End at Home course—wilderness risk management and trip planning.
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