Advanced Driver Training for Paramedics – Part 4: Acute Stress Management & Emergency Manoeuvres

These flashcards cover acute stress responses, types of stressors, stress management techniques, performance principles, and key emergency driving manoeuvres—including emergency braking, tire blow-out response, evasive steering, head-on collision avoidance, and steep-hill precautions—presented in the Advanced Driver Training for Paramedics course.

What physiological purpose does the stress response serve for the body?

It prepares the body for action by triggering the ‘fight-or-flight’ response (e.g., increased heart rate, dilated pupils, higher blood pressure, more blood flow to muscles).

Name three key physiological changes that occur during the stress response.

Heart rate increases, breathing rate increases, pupils dilate (others: blood pressure rises, blood sugar increases, intestinal muscles relax).

On the performance curve, what happens when arousal is below the optimal range?

Performance suffers due to inattention, fatigue, or active distraction.

On the performance curve, what happens when arousal exceeds the optimal range?

Performance deteriorates because of overload and excessive stress.

In the phrase “when demands exceed resources,” what is likely to happen to a driver’s performance?

Performance declines; the driver may become overloaded and make errors.

Give two examples of acute stressors a paramedic might meet on the job.

Lights-and-siren responses through traffic, transporting a critical patient, unpredictable road users, adverse weather, route changes.

Define the stressor ‘Time Pressure’.

Restriction in the time available to perform a task (e.g., responding quickly to an incident).

Define the stressor ‘Task Load’.

The need to perform multiple tasks concurrently, such as driving while monitoring radios and computers.

Define the stressor ‘Threat’.

Fear of physical or psychological harm, like navigating intersections on lights and siren with unpredictable drivers.

Define the stressor ‘Ambiguity’.

Missing, unreliable, or shifting information, leading to unclear goals or instructions (e.g., changing route data).

Define the stressor ‘Novelty’.

Sudden, unexpected, or never-before-experienced events, such as black ice or surprise actions by other road users.

Define the stressor ‘Role Conflict’.

Incompatible job demands or expectations, e.g., balancing community service pressures with employer policy.

Define the stressor ‘Role Ambiguity’.

Uncertainty about one’s duties or procedures, causing confusion on the correct course of action.

Define the stressor ‘Coordination Demands’.

Need to interact with others to accomplish tasks, such as sharing the road and coordinating a response.

Define the stressor ‘Noise’.

Unwanted sound that is unpleasant or interferes with task performance (e.g., sirens, engine, radio chatter).

Define the stressor ‘Performance Pressure’.

High consequences for error in a critical environment, such as the impact of a collision on crew and public.

List two physiological effects of negative stress relevant to driving.

Trembling and muscle tension (others: sweaty palms, rapid breathing, flushed complexion, high BP).

List two cognitive effects of negative stress.

Narrowed attention and slower reaction time (others: degraded problem solving, memory deficits).

What is one social effect of stress that can impair team performance?

Loss of team perspective and cooperation or increased interpersonal aggression.

Which stress-control strategy involves identifying and replacing distracting thoughts with task-focused ones?

Cognitive control strategies.

Which stress-control strategy uses techniques like deep breathing and biofeedback?

Relaxation strategies.

What is ‘over-learning’ and how does it help under stress?

Deliberate overtraining until tasks become automatic, reducing attention demands and vulnerability to stress.

Why is task-sharing important for paramedics driving under stress?

It allows prioritization and division of multiple tasks, enhancing performance in complex environments.

How can simplifying decision-making help in emergency driving?

It enables rapid evaluation of limited alternatives and quick, satisfactory solutions under pressure.

What does mental practice involve?

Visualizing successful task performance from start to finish without physical movement.

According to the experience/practice graph, how does experience affect performance under high workload?

Advanced drivers maintain higher performance under stress compared to novices.

When performing emergency braking, what should a driver do in a vehicle equipped with ABS?

Step on the brake hard and hold it down; let ABS modulate braking.

When performing emergency braking in a non-ABS vehicle, what technique should be used?

Threshold braking: apply firm pressure just below wheel-lockup, modulating as necessary.

State two common causes of a blown tire.

Running over a puncturing object and under-inflation causing overheating (also: defective or worn-out tire).

What are two typical symptoms of a blown tire while driving?

A loud bang and the vehicle shaking/pulling to one side.

What is the first corrective action after a tire blows out?

Look well ahead down the lane and keep the vehicle straight.

Why is gentle acceleration recommended immediately after a tire blow-out?

It helps maintain directional control until the vehicle is stabilized.

List one technique to avoid roll-overs during evasive steering in a high-center-of-gravity vehicle.

Steer only as much as necessary (others: look where you want to go, steer early).

What is the first of the six steps for head-on collision avoidance?

Look well ahead up the edge of the road.

During head-on collision avoidance, why should you stay off the brake when steering onto the shoulder?

Braking while steering can cause loss of control; staying off the brake maintains stability.

After moving onto the shoulder in a head-on avoidance, when should you re-enter the roadway?

When the pavement and shoulder are level and you can gently drift back while looking where you want to go.

When descending a steep hill, what two precautions should an emergency driver take?

Reduce speed and select a lower gear to maintain control (also increase following distance).

What is the primary training benefit of simulation under gradually increasing stress?

It allows trainees to practice decision-making and stress management while receiving instructor feedback.