Human behavior in emergency situations

The behavior of people has always been under close scrutiny of psychology. There is even a separate branch of psychological science, fully devoted to this problem. In addition, there are such branches as the psychology of the behavior of men and women separately, the psychology of behavior of the child and animals. And this is not a complete list of disciplines related to behavior. But the most interesting, in terms of science, is the irrational behavior of people, which can be observed in the event of an emergency. So many contradictory actions are not committed anywhere!

One of these actions can include panic. It usually begins with one person and in a short time is able to cover a fairly large group. This always negatively affects the implementation of rescue activities. After all, this behavior of people not only disorganises and demoralizes the crowd, but also makes it completely uncontrollable. And, as far as is known, a person in a state of fear is able to perform absolutely unusual actions, which often lie beyond his possibilities in ordinary life. Is it worth talking about dozens and hundreds of panic, because their strength can not be described. In this case, the behavior of people is subject to "herd instinct."

But sometimes it happens quite the opposite (true, this can not be said about a large crowd of people), when in the event of a life-threatening situation a person suddenly seems to wear a mask of composure. He becomes judicious, and his actions are just as fast, but, unlike the acts of a panicking one, they are rational. In addition, there may come a stupor. In this case, the person (or group of persons) will be in a state of stupor and will not make any attempts to resolve the situation.

Therefore, the behavior of people in an emergency situation is divided into two groups: carrying a positive character and bearing a negative (pathological) nature. In the first case, it is said that the organism adapts to the environment. In the second case, the behavior of people will be associated not only with the lack of this very adaptation, but also with complete disorientation. That's why panicking people just rush in fear, and do not try to do something for their own salvation. To appeal to such people, in most cases, is useless.

Based on the above, we can conclude: in the event of an emergency, it is necessary by all means to avoid immersing the crowd in a panic. In such cases, the behavior of people should be motivated by a personal example of specially trained personnel, who should not only guide the actions, but also produce them. It is also important to provide employment. Any occupation, especially aimed at ensuring survival, can distract a person from anxious thoughts and prevent panic fear.

Special staff should not only receive special physical and medical training (in order, if necessary, to be able to help others), but also psychological, aimed at suppressing fear and maintaining the ability to communicate under critical circumstances.