Psychological Stress Effects

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)?

To assess the physical harm caused by an emergency response

To evaluate the effectiveness of the emergency response

To investigate the cause of the emergency

To provide emotional support to personnel involved in a Critical Incident (correct)

What is a common emotional symptom of stress?

Gastrointestinal distress

Elevated blood pressure

Muscle tremors

Depression (correct)

When should a debriefing session be conducted?

A week after the emergency response

Immediately after the emergency response (correct)

Before the emergency response

A few days after the emergency response

What is a physical symptom of stress?

Headaches Signup and view all the answers

What is a cognitive symptom of stress?

Memory problems Signup and view all the answers

Who should facilitate a debriefing session?

Qualified professionals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a mine rescue team's debriefing session?

To provide emotional support to team members Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavioural symptom of stress?

Sleep disturbance Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended reduction in load when traveling on river-ice?

15% Signup and view all the answers

What is the strongest form of ice?

Clear or natural ice Signup and view all the answers

What is slush ice?

Snow saturated with water Signup and view all the answers

What can affect the strength of the ice?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the speed limit for a loaded vehicle on ice roads?

25 km/h Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the resonance wave in the underlying water?

To weaken the ice Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that influences the size and speed of the resonance wave?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if the strength of the ice is affected by the resonance wave?

A blowout or ice failure occurs Signup and view all the answers

What is the leading cause of death for people in the outdoors?

Hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common contributing factor to the development of hypothermia?

Inadequate clothing Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the body when hypothermia sets in?

The body loses heat faster than it can produce it Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of wetness on the development of hypothermia?

It accelerates the development of hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between wind and hypothermia?

Wind accelerates the development of hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of exhaustion on the development of hypothermia?

It accelerates the development of hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

What happens as hypothermia advances?

The symptoms become more severe Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of recognizing the symptoms of hypothermia?

It is crucial to recognize the symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical factor in successfully rescuing a person buried in an avalanche?

The actions taken by unburied survivors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a spotter in avalanche rescue operations?

To watch for signs of another avalanche and warn the team Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach when crossing an avalanche track?

Take a short route and plan an escape route Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum required equipment for every avalanche rescuer?

Probe, Avalanche transceiver, and Shovel Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of testing the thickness of the ice in various locations when traveling on ice roads?

To determine the strength of the ice Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Table 3.1 in the context of ice travel?

To indicate the weight that will be supported by varying thicknesses of clear blue lake-ice Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to wear mitts and hats when crossing an avalanche track?

To facilitate quick removal of equipment if necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the most dangerous type of avalanches?

They are set in motion simultaneously over a large area Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinctive odour of hydrogen cyanide?

Bitter almonds Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature at which hydrogen cyanide condenses to a liquid?

‐26°C Signup and view all the answers

What is the explosive range of hydrogen cyanide?

5.6%–40% Signup and view all the answers

How is hydrogen cyanide formed?

By the reaction of hydrochloric acid on cyanide compounds Signup and view all the answers

What happens when hydrogen cyanide is absorbed through the skin or inhaled?

It causes paralysis of the respiratory system Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hydrogen cyanide on the body's use of oxygen?

It interferes with the normal use of oxygen in the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hydrogen cyanide exposure at 0–20 PPM?

May detect odour, minor symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hydrogen cyanide exposure above 50 PPM?

Immediately dangerous to life and health Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stress Reactions

Cognitive: poor concentration, memory problems, poor attention span, indecision, slowed problem solving
Emotional: loss of emotional control, feeling lost or overwhelmed, depression, anxiety/fear, guilt, grief
Physical: muscle tremors, chest pains, gastrointestinal distress, difficulty breathing, headaches, elevated blood pressure
Behavioural: excessive silence, withdrawal from contact, sleep disturbance, change in eating habits, change in work habits

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)

Conduct CISD or other counselling procedures with all personnel directly involved in a critical incident
Debriefing should be held immediately after the emergency response and be facilitated by qualified professionals

Environmental Conditions

Avalanches are the most dangerous environmental condition
Safety in avalanche zones:
- Select the shortest possible route high on the slope or low in the run-out zone
- Plan an escape route
- Wear mitts and hats, tighten clothing and smaller packs, loosen larger packs
- Assign a spotter at the top and bottom of the track and agree on a warning signal
- Cross quickly, maintain space between rescuers

Avalanche Rescue Gear

Minimum required equipment: probe, avalanche transceiver (beacon), and shovel
Refer to manufacturer's guidelines for proper use

Ice Travel

Prior to traveling on ice:
- Test the thickness of the ice frequently in various locations
- Determine the strength of the ice based on the smallest thickness
Type of ice:
- River or lake ice (movement of water beneath ice): not as strong as lake ice
- Clear or natural ice (black or blue hue): strongest form of ice
- Slush ice (white hue): weakest form of ice
Cracks in ice may affect its ability to support a load
Speed limit on ice roads: 25 km/h for a loaded vehicle, 35 km/h for an empty vehicle

Hypothermia

Definition: lowered internal body-core temperature (exposure sickness)
Causes: overexposure to a cold environment, inadequate clothing, alcohol or drugs, wetness, exhaustion, dehydration, and lack of nutrition
Factors contributing to development: wind, water, and temperature
Symptoms: visible symptoms indicate onset of hypothermia, recognizable stages
Expected survival time based on water temperature and unconsciousness

Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)

Properties: colourless, tasteless gas with a distinctive odour of bitter almonds, condenses to a colourless liquid at temperatures below ̻26 C, explosive range of 5.6%–40%
How formed: reaction of hydrochloric acid on cyanide compounds, such as potassium/sodium cyanide
Effects on humans: fast-acting and deadly poison, causes paralysis of the respiratory system and chemical asphyxiation, interferes with normal use of oxygen by nearly every organ of the body
Physiological effects: symptoms of exposure depend on amount and exposure time, may include odour detection, restlessness, increased respiratory rate, weakness, giddiness, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, and headache

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Description

This quiz assesses the effects of stress on cognitive and emotional well-being. It covers the symptoms of stress on concentration, emotional control, and problem-solving abilities.