What should be done if a casualty shows signs of anxiety during an emergency?

In an emergency situation, a casualty exhibiting signs of anxiety requires immediate and appropriate support. Providing reassurance and calming them down is crucial because anxiety can exacerbate feelings of fear and helplessness. When someone is anxious, their physiological responses can be heightened, and they may struggle to think clearly. By offering reassurance, you can help stabilize their emotional state, encouraging a sense of safety and control in a chaotic environment. This support can not only help the individual manage their fear but can also enable them to cooperate better with any necessary first aid procedures or care.

Additionally, simply ignoring their feelings could lead to increased panic, while asking them to leave may put them at further risk if they are disoriented or unsafe. Distracting them with conversation might temporarily take their mind off their anxiety, but it does not directly address the emotional distress they are experiencing. Thus, calming and reassuring the casualty is the most effective approach to help them cope with their anxiety during an emergency.