Thread Drift

[Pax]

That is really interesting, Catrin. I always enjoy seeing how people react when extreme stimulus is introduced (especially when it's innocuous), after years as a cop/firefighter/medic I go calm and cool, almost icy, so it's strange to watch others get jumpy or panicky or just freeze.

Sorry you had to deal with it though, in this day and age it's unnerving to say the least.

[OakLeaf]

Oh geez Catrin, yeah, that could have turned out VERY badly (and not knowing who all was at your conference or elsewhere in the venue that might have overheard, someone could have gotten very badly triggered and you might not know). That's unbelievable to me that they wouldn't warn people - when emergency services do a drill, there are notices in the papers and on the radio for days beforehand. So sorry you had to go through it.

[Crankin]

Catrin, this just proves my current theory on the intelligence level of most people. Oy. Sorry you had to endure this. I am mostly like Pax, I go calm and cold in an emergency and get very business like and efficient. Of course, I've never been in a shooting, but people are often surprised that i am so calm. On the other hand, I get anxious at more normal things...
Talking about my teaching practice above made me feel good; I did a lot with those kids and it was mostly fun. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and one of my former colleagues posted a tribute to exceptional educators on FB. I was tagged; while I don't regret my career change at all, I still feel pretty bonded to those people. I also have been building quite a few teachers into my practice, which I am really enjoying. They all are in counseling for very different reasons, but a lot of it is work related.

[Catrin]

I am also one of those people who become icy calm in emergencies, but then fall apart afterwards (once it is safe to do so) as a couple serious life-threatening experiences over the years have shown me. I seemed to get back to normal pretty quickly, but my 25-year old co-worker who was in the same room with me was terrified and he really didn't appear to be back to himself until the next day and that went for many in that room. Of course, sometimes we think we are back to ourselves and aren't. I do get quite anxious for more usual stressors/situations - and it seems to take a very high level of stress to cause me to flip reaction modes. Probably something to do with survival. Very thankful that things worked out as they did and I'm sure the Denver Embassy Suites will change how they let people know when they have other practices/events like that one.

[ny biker]

Catrin, this just proves my current theory on the intelligence level of most people. Oy.

+1

I'm glad it wasn't real.