FOR SUPPORT, CALL 1-866-APF-3635 (273-3635)
Decisions during a crisis.
We make decisions every day. However, to make the right decision, we need the right information. We must analyze the information before deciding. Our minds need to be clear and be able to understand the information. But what happens to us when in a crisis? Acute Porphyria crisis can simply be overwhelming, your expected to have all the answers, show them proof of everything and many times we are just hurting so badly that we just SHUT DOWN? Has that ever happened to you? How did it make you feel? Did you have a Porphyria caregiver that knew as much as you did? Or were you faced with this all alone. I have been in both spots and it has taught me some good things to talk about
What happens to the brain in a crisis?
Basically, your brain, when confronted with a crisis, shuts down. The shut-down may be temporary, but it is very real. Your hippocampus consolidates information for you. It stores information, information like the first action on your disaster recovery plan.
What is Crisis decision making?
In a crisis, usually the success or the failure of the response is not made on one decision by the crisis team, and if they make any wrong decisions then the response is doomed to failure. ... All the teams are working on the same incident and are making a series of minor and major decisions.
What is an example of a crisis?
The following are examples of crisis situations: A man is standing at the end of a bridge and is planning to commit suicide. This is a crisis because the individual is not coping well with life. ... This is a crisis because the husband is threatening homicide.
In a crisis, affected people take in information, process information, and act on information differently than they would during non-crisis times. 2,3 People or groups may exaggerate their communication responses. They may revert to more basic or instinctive fight-or-flight reasoning.
How does the body react in case of emergency?
When a sudden threat is encountered, the medulla floods the bloodstream with epinephrine, cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, testosterone, estrogen and norepinephrine. Other physical responses include increased heart rate, pupils dilate, increased breathing rhythm, stomach clenches and sexual organs wake up.
So here are a few ways to ensure you make good decisions in crisis:
1) Take a Moment. Whilst in crisis mode, you may feel a sense of urgency or panic.
Many times, we want the light off, the people to go away a warm blanket and to just be alone to analyze the immediate situation.
2) Collect All of The Information.
Before your next crisis collect all of your personal Information (Name Address Phone Ins Card Point of Contact DPA will Information on your type of Porphyria) What am I allergic to and what is the results if they order it?
Take one good day that you have, to call and collect these items and make copies. Get a 3-ring binder.
3) Consider the Alternatives.
What are my options or treatments, would I need surgery for a picc or port, Do I need to ask for special lighting? Will I have to stay in the hospitable or be able to go home.
4) Plan ahead
Since I personally am a frequent guest in the hospital have a bag handy of deodorant, razor, toothbrush, something to read or play games with clean clothes etc.
5) Decide
When the Doctors come in the room and do not know what to do with you stay patient and say I do have my emergency book and, in this tab, or this section is usually what the ED Dr. Does for me if they have questions have them call your PCP or the APF 1.866.APF.3635
6) Execute and Evaluate. ...
Be determined and sit back and do not worry the decision that you and your dr. came up with will have you feeling better in no time. Be persistent and do not be afraid to use your call button if you need something or have high pain. Always be kind and thankful to the Dr. & Nurses that help you. You set the precedent if your welcome back or not.
7) Reflect
Now that you have had treatment and pain medication.
Don’t forget to thank all the family and friends that have supported you during this time. Aftercare is next, that is another conversation to have at a later time.
Best always be as prepared as can be what ever may come your way~
