How Stress Affects Decision-Making
- Grace. T
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Stress vs Emergency: How Stress Affects Decision-Making in Medical Situations
The holiday season is often portrayed as joyful and bright—but for many people, it can be one of the most stressful times of the year. Financial strain, loneliness, grief, burnout, and various forms of abuse can quietly intensify during the holidays.
Stress Affects Decision Making:
When stress is high, our ability to think clearly and act decisively drops—and in a medical emergency, that delay can matter.
At Saving Grace Medical Academy, we train people to respond under pressure, because emergencies rarely happen when life feels calm.
How Stress Impacts the Brain During Emergencies
Stress isn’t just emotional—it’s neurological and physiological.
Fight, Flight, or Freeze
When stress levels spike, the brain shifts control from the rational prefrontal cortex to the survival-focused amygdala. This can cause:
Tunnel vision
Delayed reaction time
Difficulty recalling steps or protocols
Freezing or second-guessing actions
In emergencies, this stress response can override good intentions and basic knowledge.
Holiday Stress: A Hidden Risk Factor
The holidays introduce unique stressors that can quietly increase medical risk.
Common Seasonal Stressors
Financial pressure and debt
Social isolation or grief
Family conflict
Increased substance use
Physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual abuse
Caregiver burnout
Chronic illness or pain worsened by cold weather
These stressors don’t just affect mental health—they impact decision-making, reaction time, and situational awareness.
Stress and Medical Emergencies:
Why Seconds Matter
Under stress, people may:
Delay calling 911
Minimize symptoms (“It’s probably nothing”)
Miss early warning signs of stroke or heart attack
Forget basic first aid steps
Hesitate to act out of fear of “doing it wrong”
This is especially relevant during holidays, when people may avoid seeking help to avoid “ruining” celebrations—or because they feel alone.
Why Training Changes the Outcome
Training Builds Automatic Response
High-quality emergency training doesn’t just teach information—it builds muscle memory.
When stress is high:
You don’t rise to the occasion
You fall back on your training
That’s why repetition, hands-on practice, and scenario-based learning are critical.
Stress vs Emergency: What Training Gives You
Without Training | With Training |
Panic | Controlled action |
Delay | Early intervention |
Guessing | Structured assessment |
Fear of mistakes | Confidence in protocol |
Training creates mental guardrails when stress tries to take over.
Nursing Students & Healthcare Workers:
You Are Not Immune
Even experienced professionals are affected by stress—especially during long shifts, short staffing, and emotionally charged holiday periods.
Common Stress Triggers in Healthcare
Moral distress
Fatigue and sleep deprivation
Emotional overload
Pressure to perform perfectly
Ongoing certification and refresher training help reinforce calm, systematic responses when stress is unavoidable.
Home Treatment and Self-Care During High-Stress Periods
While emergencies require professional care, stress management is prevention.
Practical Self-Care Strategies
Maintain sleep routines as best as possible
Stay hydrated and eat regularly
Limit alcohol and stimulant use
Take brief mental breaks during long days
Reach out—even one safe person matters
If abuse or danger is present, seek local support services immediately
Stress ignored doesn’t disappear—it accumulates.
Case Scenario: Stress vs Training in Action
Scenario
A middle-aged individual experiences chest discomfort during a holiday gathering. They hesitate to speak up, not wanting to “cause a scene.”
Question: What is the most appropriate action?
A. Wait and see if symptoms pass
B. Lie down and rest
C. Call 911 immediately
D. Drive to the hospital later
ANSWER AT BOTTOM OF POST
How SGMA Prepares You for Stressful Emergencies
At Saving Grace Medical Academy, our courses emphasize:
Scenario-based learning
Real-world decision-making
Calm communication under pressure
Confidence built through repetition
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or community member, training prepares you for moments when stress is unavoidable.
Final Thought: Calm Is Built, Not Found
Stress is part of being human—especially during the holidays. But when emergencies happen, preparation replaces panic.
Training doesn’t remove stress. It gives you clarity despite it.
💡 Ready to Get Certified?
Be prepared. Be confident. Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. Now enrolling: Basic Life Support (BLS) & Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED courses designed for healthcare professionals.
📍 Training for First-Year Nursing Students
Join Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. for fully certified, CSA-compliant Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED courses—designed for Alberta’s future healthcare professionals.
Just Remember:
Protect Yourself. Call 911.Don’t Waste Time.
RESOURCES:
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Grace. T
Medical Content Writer
Correct Answer: C. Call 911 immediately
Rationale:
Stress often causes people to delay care, especially during holidays. Chest pain should always be treated as a potential cardiac emergency. Early activation of EMS improves outcomes and reduces mortality.
