I think this is a modern response to the 'fight or flight reflex' we humans have been dealing with for millions of years - frightening situations have triggered a flight response for most of that time, we tend to hang around only when we assess that we can or must fight our way out of the situation. That fight or flight mechanism tends to keep us alive and propogating the species to live and fight another day. Everything from med school to wilderness first aid to combat training is intended to condition the person to stay and address the situation rather than run away. It runs counter to what our brains were originally programmed for, for the most part.

The big takeaway from combat training is you stay to fight for your buddy next to you, and maybe also you're dead already so deal with it (fight). The takeaway from most medical training is someone has to stay and stop that arterial bleed, so you better take a breath and do it (fight). Running away from trauma won't help anybody, and while it won't get you killed flight will damage your career as a doctor / nurse / EMT. You can recover, but most often you'll seek another profession if you run away from arterial bleeds as a medical professional...

Everytime I've stopped to give emergency first aid I think about this, and a little niggling signal from my amygdalla seems to say, run, run away fast, but them my training takes over and you stay and deal with it. You won't die but someone might. But that little amydgalla still reacts to the frightening scenario the same every time, its just that we can voluntarily over ride it almost every time with training and preparedness. Stop and take a breath, or your pulse, or just stand there, or more formally assessing the scene for safety is the gap that you need between the flight impulse and for training to take over and the impulse to stay and fight. That I think makes us human somehow.

(mentally though the last time I performed CPR 2 years ago I had a vivid image in my head of Homer Simpson, saying "Stupid Brain" to himself. Initially part of me wanted nothing to do with this frightening scenario. Its weird what we use for the interrupts and gaps to get things done).

I like both of those. I've also heard, It's not your emergency, but that doesn't really apply to this thread.

Like I tell some of my folks - "it's either going to get better or worse." Sometimes things just need to develop, and you need to know when to sit and wait, and when to act. Preferably NOT after the time to act has passed!

Yep, in some cases years. For those who don't work out, there is always some excuse.

I suppose "fight or flight" is part of it. The main point I was trying to make is that all too often people feel that they must react instantly. However, in most cases taking a bit of time to assess the whole situation leads to a better outcome. A very few situations really do require instant action, but most do not.

Using another analogy from first aid, one should try to avoid "Puddle Thinking". That's when you find someone with an obvious wound with a puddle of blood around it. You instantly jump in and do an awesome job of applying direct pressure on the wound. Sure enough, in a short time the bleeding completely stops ..........But only then do you look up and notice that the guy (or gal) isn't breathing..........

In most cases, taking a brief moment to evaluate the whole situation is time well spent. You will have a much better set of priorities, you will think more clearly, and your overall response will be much better.

Two big things: fitness and reference.
get your cardio up and have the useful books/ apps/ links that you might need

Also, charge your gear before a storm.

Training + Planning + Gear

Fitness came to me because I no longer had a car and I moved off a bus route. What I had started with recreational hiking, work & chores grew into physical fitness. Further, being poor forced me to make better food choices. Regarding mental toughness, being knocked mighty low by divorce (etc.) I came back through the efforts of friends, the writings of Marcus Aurelius and self-discipline.

As an Army medic, the training was a factor in helping me get over the "Oh shoot (cleaned up)!" response. I specifically recall a guy that had a minor head wound with lots of blood. I took a moment and re-focused on the need to help this guy. Now I respond quickly & calmly whenever I encounter a medical aid situation.

There is a reason that the military & businesses plan things. Having an idea of what you need to do in an emergency is more effective than just going with the flow all the time.

I have too much stuff in my evac ruck. 'Nuff said.

Working on the fitness end of things recently...steady as she goes...

Here too, Teacher. Trying to get my body back into backpacking form as it adjusts to being in mom of a newborn form. About 10 pounds and a bunch of strengthening to go!

are you planning to cart the little one around with you while backpacking?

it seems like maybe the back woods is not the best place to bring an infant.