The other way to train medics is to have them practice a skill so many times that it becomes automatic. So when the prefrontal cortex goes AWOL, when reasoning drops away, muscle memory, one hopes, will persist.
In Mary Roach's book "Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War," she discusses a unique approach to training medics that emphasizes repetitive practice. By having medics repeatedly perform specific skills, they develop muscle memory that can be relied upon in high-pressure situations when cognitive functions may fail. This method aims to ensure that essential medical procedures become second nature for the medics.
Roach highlights the significance of muscle memory in the chaotic environment of war, suggesting that when reasoning is compromised, the automaticity gained through rigorous practice plays a critical role. This training strategy helps prepare medics to react appropriately under stress, reinforcing the idea that in moments of crisis, physical responses can be more reliable than rational thought.
