Responses to Danger: the various ways people behave when overcome by fear in the face of possible death. The normal human response to any life threatening situation is to be confused, tense, nauseated, shaky, and sweaty. Your heart will sound like it is pounding and you may have difficulty getting your breath. As you respond to the situation your activity level will increase and your body functions will gradually return to normal.

Abnormal responses to danger include violent nausea and vomiting, psychological paralysis, a numb feeling, a vacant stare, extreme confusion, being demanding and critical, constant talking or severe weeping, and signs of exhaustion.

Each person will react differently to the same situation.  Emotional injuries are very real and they can be long lasting. The victim needs patience, reassurance, encouragement, and support. Keep in mind that the victim will at first be ungrateful and disagreeable. Be persistent in your efforts to help. Resist all temptations to become angry or abrupt. You must be calm and encourage the victim to talk. Get him or her interested in doing something helpful for others. Treat exhaustion with a bath, clean clothes, warm food, and rest. Get the victim involved with a group of people who have already overcome the same problem or similar problems. Assure the victim that he or she will also fully recover.