Surprise is a cognitive-emotional response triggered by a mismatch between our expectations and reality, such as unexpected automation behaviours, which endures for as long as a cognitive mismatch persists.
On the other hand, startle is the far more transient reflex-like response to intense physical stimuli that can be triggered by both expected and unexpected events. While distinct, startle and surprise can occur together and both produce incapacitating cognitive and physiological effects that impair crew or team member performance, communication and decision-making.
What should we do ?
RESET Method
- Announce to the other crew or team member(s) that a ‘Reset’ will be performed.
- Take physical distance: push back into the back of the seat.
- Perform an abdominal breathing technique: take a deep breath, and exhale slowly. Repeat if necessary.
- Tighten and relax muscles.
- Check the wellbeing of the fellow crew or member(s).
The method is followed by systematically building situational awareness, by calling out all observed indications of the problem. The aim is to avoid rushed decision-making and establish a crew or team collaboration.
Recommendations
The main barrier to using the method during actual critical operations was the urge to take immediate action. A threatening stimulus takes priority over performing these methods through the human urge to eliminate the threat. This can impair perceptual processes and cause cognitive tunnelling. It can also increase the likelihood of incorrect and rushed decisions.
The paradox of startle is that the higher the stress level and the more a self-management method is needed, the more difficult it becomes to initiate a method. The reported difficulty in recognising the effects of startle and surprise might also be a consequence of this effect. This reinforces the importance of the step of checking the fellow crew or team member’s mental state.
References: https://skybrary.aero/articles/hindsight-36
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