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Post by somuchtodo on Jun 11, 2013 4:52:45 GMT -7
If you find yourself freezing up… starting to panic… or if you are having a hard time figuring out
exactly what to do next in any crisis situation, the first thing you should do is try this simple four-step
“Combat Breathing” technique.
1. Breathe in for a count of four.
2. Hold your breath for a count for four.
3. Exhale for a count of four.
4. Count to four before starting over again.
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Post by ColcordMama on Jun 11, 2013 12:09:31 GMT -7
Strange.... this is the breathing technique I use when I'm taking a long walk. I don't do the "count to four before starting over again" bit though. I never heard of anyone else doing this until now. Thanks for the post.
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Post by woodyz on Jun 11, 2013 13:39:27 GMT -7
The only combat breathing technique's I remember were holding my breath and/or screaming at the top of my lungs! Holding my breath while hoping what I was seeing didn't see me and screaming as we charged in all four directions at the same time.
I guess I must have been doing it wrong.
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Post by ColcordMama on Jun 11, 2013 14:07:10 GMT -7
You weren't doing it wrong. You're HERE, aren't you? (And thank God for that, too. HUG!)
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Post by angelhelp on Jun 11, 2013 14:09:50 GMT -7
Not only that, but I'd conclude that ANY breathing after being in combat is a plus!  |
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Post by USCGME2 on Jun 11, 2013 15:25:18 GMT -7
I always tell my daughter, "what if your still breathing?" .... She replies, "everything is gonna be OK Daddy." "Whataya always got to remember to do baby girl?" .... "Breathe Daddy, always gotta remember to breathe."
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Post by caveman on Jul 4, 2013 5:27:00 GMT -7
I don't put it as fear, I say it is just the adrenalin amped up and I need to regain the needed control. (Not saying that I am not afraid of anything, just that I believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost.)
Breath, regain control of the adrenalin and learn to focus it.
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Post by graf on Jul 4, 2013 15:04:10 GMT -7
Every morning I do 10 deep breaths in and hold for 4 count, try and exhale as much as possible, this same breathing helps when stressed.
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Post by woodyz on Jul 4, 2013 15:20:07 GMT -7
Something I noticed a long time ago about me that was different from other people is that I don't get stressed or flustered in a combat type situation. I react, and when it is all over I may get the shakes and throw up and need to practice deep breathing. But when and while it is happening it is like everything is slowed down and magnified. I see better, I hear better, I react better and faster. I am not conscious of breathing, or thinking even. Sometimes I don't even remember things that happened, even things that I did. It's like my brain shuts down except for the parts I need to deal with the situation.
Sure training helped refine the process, but I have always been that way, as long as I can remember. I didn't understand other people did see it the same way. I'm not nearly as fast to react or as able to react, but I still don't panic, things still slow down and details become clear.
Its strange but how I was made I guess.
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Post by USCGME2 on Jul 4, 2013 20:35:51 GMT -7
Its called 'compartmentalization'. Its the brain's survival mechanism that allows us to focus on the task at hand and shut out extraneous information. It is why during intense situations we get auditory and peripheral exclusion. The brain does record some (or all) of that excluded information and locks it down in its little compartment. The catch is, after the trauma is over the beast eventually wants out of the cage. It can be triggered by a smell, sight, sound or other event. When the dam breaks, a number of symptoms can emerge, or not. Depends on the person. Today we wrap this all up under the catch all PTSD.
To circle back to the OP, conscious breathing will allow a continual flow of O2 to the brain and help control the effects of that adrenaline dump. It can allow you to settle just a bit to regain focus and allow your training to emerge.
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Post by kutkota on Jul 5, 2013 5:45:28 GMT -7
Those that handle stress well typically have a higher probability of being diagnosed with PTSD as well.
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Post by USCGME2 on Jul 5, 2013 5:55:49 GMT -7
Those that handle stress well typically have a higher probability of being diagnosed with PTSD as well. +1 and then some. |
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Post by caveman on Jul 21, 2013 8:11:25 GMT -7
I was a medic for awhile, I would get into the hairiest situations, multiple casualties, world caving in, that is when I was in my zone. After, after the written reports, I would break down a little bit. I had a great AChief who know what was up and would keep people away from the office that I was using until I came out, then, their would be an after action review on it and what we could have done better.
Like I stated earlier, if you can focus the adrenaline where it needs to be when you have to you will do fine. Physical and Mental go hand and hand.
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