Quick Answer
When feeling overwhelmed outdoors, use the STOP protocol to pause, focus on your breathing, and assess the situation before acting. This involves stopping activity, taking slow breaths, observing your surroundings, and planning a rational response. This protocol helps manage panic and promote effective decision-making.
Stopping Activity
The first step in the STOP protocol is to stop all activity and pause for a moment. This can be as simple as taking a few steps back, sitting down, or even just freezing in place. In this moment, stop trying to fix the situation or take any immediate action. Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a second, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This helps calm your nervous system and slow down your heart rate.
Observing Your Surroundings
Once you have stopped and taken a few deep breaths, observe your surroundings. Take a 360-degree scan of your environment, looking for potential hazards, sources of water, shelter, or other essential resources. Use your senses to gather as much information as possible, including visual, auditory, and tactile cues. This helps you assess the situation and identify potential solutions.
Planning a Rational Response
With a clearer head and a better understanding of your surroundings, start planning a rational response. Consider your goals, resources, and the potential risks and challenges you may face. Use the information you gathered during your observation to inform your decision-making. Ask yourself questions like “What are my priorities?” “What are my options?” and “What are the potential consequences of each option?” By taking the time to think clearly and make a rational plan, you can increase your chances of survival and success in a challenging outdoor situation.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.