Stress Flashcards
What is Stress?
Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand.
Caused by both good and bad experiences.
When people feel stressed their bodies release chemicals. These chemicals give people more energy and strength, which can be a good or bad thing depending on the situation.
What are some types of stress?
Survival Stress - Fight or Flight
Internal Stress - Worry
Environmental Stress - Response to world around you
Fatigue and Overwork - Minimised through adequate breaks
What are some stress-inducing factors in ATC?
Continuous high-task demands
Numerous ill-equipped aircraft with inexperienced pilots.
Traffic and equipment mismatches.
Misuse of sophisticated equipment.
Inexperienced or unpredictable colleagues.
Divisions and allocation of work.
Vague or ambiguous ATC procedures.
Insufficient support.
Unsupportive Management
Conditions of Employment
Working Hours
What are some outside factors of stress in ATC?
Talent insufficient for task.
Reduced ability to cope with stress
Reduced ability to cope with shiftwork
Financial and domestic worries
Bereavement, illness, drugs, alcohol
Personal disappointment or disillusionment
What are some symptoms of stress?
Self-medication
Excessive drinking
High absenteeism
Difficult as colleague
Easily irritated
Readily tired
Difficult to manage
Depression
What is the difference between tiredness and fatigue?
A tired person can be quickly aroused to a high level of performance. Whereas fatigue is a markedly reduced ability to carry out a task.
What are some features attributed to fatigue?
Increased likelihood of errors
Errors remain uncorrected
More easily satisfied with lower levels of performance
Reduced flexibility of approach
Mood changes detrimental to teamwork
Tunnelling of attention
Decreased ability to concentrate
What ways can an ATCO cope with fatigue?
Avoid stimulants prior to sleeping
Avoid alcohol as a strategy to hasten sleep
Avoid a heavy meal shortly before bedtime
Consider learning relaxation exercises
Physical exercise can be relaxing
What is an issue with confidence for an ATCO?
Confidence can lead to over-confidence and complacency. If a job never tests an individual’s limitations, this can induce complacency.
What is the issue with a bored ATCO?
Many incidents occur when an ATCO is bored or distracted.
What is fatigue?
A condition reflecting inadequate rest. It can be acute, chronic or mental.
