How has skydiving helped you in a crisis?

[PhillyKev 0]

The thrill seekers thread got me thinking. Especially the part adrenaline levels. Have any of you had any crisis type experiences that you handled well and think skydiving helped you with that? I did, last Thursday night.
I awoke at 1:30 am to the sound of my fire alarm. I look out into the hall from my bedroom and see a red glow coming from the kitchen, the loud blast of the fire alarm, and a sound I would imagine a flame thrower would make. I run into the kitchen to see a column of flame shooting up from my stove about 2' in diameter and hitting the ceiling. The wall was beginning to burn as well.
I tried to turn off the gas on the stove, but it was already off. What the hell is going on? Flames, heat, alarm, awakened from deep sleep....no panic. I run into the hall of my apartment building and grab the fire extinguisher outside my door. Come back in pull the pin and blast the fire. It instantly goes out as the dry chemical blows out the flame. But, the gas is still cranking at full power...not the apartment is filling with gas. I pull the stove out from the wall and follow the gas line to the valve behind the sink. But it's really really old. It's not like a hose valve, it's just a short straight piece of metal that you need a monkey wrench to turn. So, I call the gas company, open all the doors and windows, turn off all the light and other electrical appliances and run down to the basement looking for some tools. Well, nothing there. So, I take apart the top of the stove trying to figure out why the gas won't stop pumping out. Turns out the hose from the back of the stove to the burner tops has burst and gas is pouring out full force. I try to duct tape it up, but the hose is like the bend in a flexible straw and I can't get it sealed. Finally the gas company arrives and with a twist of the monkey wrench the gas is off.
During this whole time, I was worried, concerned, and a little scared but I didn't panic. It took about 45 minutes for the gas company to get there after I called. After the guy turned off the gas and asked me what happened he said most people would have called the fire department and just let it burn, or not call and let it burn.
I think my experience skydiving had a direct impact on my ability to make good decisions and handle a crisis situation. The part that really scares me is what would have happened if I wasn't home at the time!!
cielos azules y cerveza fría
-Kevin

[freeflir29 0]

Ummm...it was more the other way around for me. Being a pilot and all the crazy things I had done in the military made Skydiving a little less overwhelming. Sure, I got brown out from sensory overload on my first 10 sec delay but after that I just started enjoying the view.
Participating in a sport like this does train the "average" person to deal with stressful situations more effectively. The brain needs practice to deal with the situation instead of just having reflex actions. Sometimes following reflex actions instead of training can kill you. Read some of the Cypress saves. I dont remember "Scream like a little girl" being in the emergency procedures. LOL
"The cab driver said... he recognized my girly by the back of her head" -Beasty Boys
Clay

[Jumperpaula 0]

Driving. I drive a lot with my Job (job-that thing I do for jump money).
I think my awareness of things around me, ability to see a big picture and reaction time are all improved by skydiving.
Fly Your Slot !