Composure

FIRST things first, are we really ready and prepared in times of disasters and calamities?

Well, this question needs to be answered by all of us. Being ready means having to have thought of what to expect and how to react in these trying times.

Being trained on first aid by the American Red Cross when the Americans were still managing the former US Military installation Camp John Hay, the Americans always instilled in its training the word “composure.”

Why composure? Well, in order to think clearly, one must be composed to make the correct and necessary decisions. Analyzing a situation before making a move is very critical especially when it involves saving a life.

You might ask that it might take time for someone to analyze a situation that may spell the difference between life and death. But I did not say take time in analyzing a situation.

Being composed gives you the advantage of making the correct decision making process. Sometimes, drastic actions without proper analysis lead to wrong decisions.

Question: What will I do when I am confronted with a vehicular accident? Shall I pull the person or persons out of a vehicle without giving importance to possible added injury to the victim? Or shall I wait for the more experienced medical responders?

In our country, Filipinos would pull out victims of vehicular accidents disregarding the possible additional injuries that the victims may sustain. I know I would despite the training that I underwent.

But why is this the action of Filipinos? The quick decision making process of the Filipinos instructs him to pull the victim out since the vehicle may catch fire. And I think this is true to everyone, even the more experienced one.

What I'd like to point out in that before making an action, let us first assess the situation quickly. Before I pull someone out of the vehicle, I would first assess the situation of the vehicle if it is likely to catch fire, then I make the decision to pull the victim/s out while waiting for the medical responders.

So, first is to be composed, assess the situation, be time conscious, and then make the correct and most reasonable action. This does not only apply to medical related situations, but in life as well.

Making the right decisions come from a composed assessment of a situation coupled with knowing the possible pros and cons of a situation.

Inhale-exhale, then assess before making a decision.