House fires, mass shootings, emergency medical procedures and mental health crises. Emergencies can happen at any time — and knowing how to overcome feelings of panic, stress and indecision can be a matter of life or death.
, a veteran first responder who has worked as a paramedic, a fire captain and a firefighter, and , an emergency physician and assistant professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, share real-world tactics they use on the job to stay cool and focused.
Anika Orrock is a writer, illustrator, cartoonist and author of .
This story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at LifeKit@npr.org.
Listen to Life Kit on and , and sign up for our . Follow us on Instagram: .
Copyright 2025 NPR
