If you’re in a situation where you feel the panic at your edges, there are ways to keep the gibbering at bay. I have had times when I had to perform life-saving first aid for a period of many hours. After the initial burst of adrenaline wears off, I get a flutter of panic, knowing I cannot stay awake and keep clearing airways, etc., so I take a deep breath and pray and in moments feel restored. I have learned to practice this so the next time I need to draw on my inner strength, I can, and quickly.

As for uncanny strength, I had that once, but it didn’t last quite long enough. I saved the person’s life but then dropped her. I had the willpower but my body was weak — my elbow tore. A few more seconds would have helped immensely, but at least I kept her from drowning and was able to do CPR once she was lying down. The strength was part and parcel of the running to rescue, figuring out how, and simply doing what I must. It was very difficult, but for about 15 seconds I was able to lift well beyond my physical capacity.

Darren’s comment at #20 about wargaming in your mind? It really is a good idea. Read novels about challenging situations, too. In one of the interviews of Schuringa he says he instantly knew that he needed to stop the terrorist. It fit into a scenario that has become part of a modern parable. We’ve all put ourselves in the shoes of the passengers of Flight 93, and now Flight 293. What would you do?