Okay, I’m still sick. This is day eleven. It sucks. The only good thing is I’m getting a lot of reading done, and I have another tidbit to share. Call it a public service message.
Turns out when human beings panic, they revert to learned behaviors. This is why soldiers are constantly drilled, so when they’re in combat and their brains turn off, they still function in ways that can save their lives. So, cut to normal, everyday panic, and something that requires dialing 911. Most of us have never actually done it, and if you’re in a situation where a loved one is in peril, chances are “panic” is a good description of what you’re going through. What most of us HAVE done, however, is dial 411. Apparently, it happens all the time, freaked out people dialing 411 over and over, thinking they’re calling for help and unable to understand why they keep getting freakin’ information. In they’re head they’re thinking “911″, but their fingers are drilled into dialing “411.”
The solution? Every once in a while, unplug your phone and practice dialing 911. Sounds stupid, but wouldn’t you rather do something stupid a few minutes a week and know that you’ll be capable if it ever comes down to it?
There you go. Homework for the night.
Tags: 411, 911, emergency preparedness, panic
