I've been with people in panic situations; my Coast Guard service, California earthquakes, brushfires, trainwrecks and last minute christmas shopping. People submit to authority figures. How many people wilt under the voice of a private security guard? Anyone know how much real legal authority a security guard actually has? This isn't bashing guards, but just an example. Giving people a physical comfort; teddy bear ( ME) flashlight, blanket, chocolate bar, Bible or a fire produces emotional comfort. People who are busy doing something won't panic. This can be something usefull like gathering firewood or just busy work. Finally there is no measure of who will panic. Molly Brown took command of her R.M.S. Titanic lifeboat at pistol point when the coxswain failed to.