Taking a key out of your pocket, inserting it in a lock and locking a door is an easy task – until your heart rate hits 115 beats a minute or more. Dr. Randy Atlas mentioned such a case during one of his presentations. He related how a store clerk was shot and killed by an armed robber who became upset when she was unable to open the store safe because her hands were shaking so badly due to fear. 

The effects of increased heart rate on human performance have been thoroughly researched by a number of experts.  Several techniques, including controlled breathing, participation in quality training and properly run drills and mental simulation, have been proven to help reduce heart rate and with it, improve human performance.  Lt. Col. Dave Grossman provides insightful discussions on these types of effects in his book, On Combat, as well as in his presentations.

If we consider how much of an impact the inability of a staff member to lock a door or dial a telephone can have during a major event, it underscores the importance of appropriate emphasis on proven efforts to help campus employees and (when appropriate) students perform critical action steps to minimize the loss of human life.

It is easier to write words in a plan than it is for people to apply them under pressure. Taking the time to teach people how to perform under extreme stress can be just as important as providing them with solid plan components.

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