This is live facilitated training presented through Zoom.

Course Duration: 2 hours.

Includes live chat and live Q&A.

Includes a 7-day recorded playback for anyone who could not attend live.

Course Description

The results of the research are in! Stressed brains don’t function the same way as non-stressed brains. Actually, this probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise. But what may surprise you is how significant the impact of stress can be in your high-risk decision making. You may be familiar with a few of these impacts, like tunnel vision and fight or flight response. But there’s more.

This fast-paced session well review the fascinating process of how the stressed brain functions and how these changes influences thinking and decision making.
Then you’ll learn how your thinking – and decision making – can be impacted by stress-induced neurological changes.

Have you ever noticed that, under stress, some people seem to act without thinking? That’s because they probably are. You’ll learn about the risks of automaticity and how to break the cycle.

Are you a good multi-tasker? You may be surprised to learn that it is biologically impossible to multitask the act of paying attention. We’ll debunk the myth of multitasking and explain why multitasking is so dangerous in high-risk environments.

Does your state have laws that require hands-free use of cell phones? Laws like these are an example of what happens when legislators do not consult with brain scientists before enacting a solution. You’ll learn about the impact of distraction on cognitive function and decision making.

Did you know you actively hallucinate every day? It’s true! And it can have catastrophic consequences in high-risk decision making scenarios. You’ll learn about how your brain confabulates realities that can be FAR from reality.

The best decisions are made using logic, right? Wrong! Emotions play a critical role in decision making. You’ll learn how emotions can trigger intuition, can improve your access to stored knowledge and improve your decision making.
Have you ever heard an instructor say “practice makes perfect” on the training ground? To some extent, this is true. But shortcuts and missteps during practice can also load cognitive and muscle memory scripts that can have tragic consequences. You’ll learn how your brain uses stored scripts that drive decisions and actions under stress.

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn the difference between logical and intuitive thinking.

Participants will learn how stress impacts brain function, thinking, and decision making.

Participants will learn best practices for reducing the cognitive impacts of stress.

Participants will learn tips improving high-stress decision making.

About the presenter

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, CSP is widely considered a trusted authority on human factors, situational awareness and the high-risk decision making processes used in high-stress, high consequence work environments. He served 33 years on the front lines as a firefighter, EMT-Paramedic, company officer, training officer, fire chief and emergency incident commander. His doctoral research included the study of cognitive neuroscience to understand how human factors flaw situational awareness and impact high-risk decision making.