Decision-Making under high pressure situations Part 2 - with Olly Sapsford

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into decision-making
under pressure with Olly Sapsford, a Firefighter and Commander as
well as a Lecturer in Disaster & Emergency Management at
Coventry University.


We explore the mental models, training, and strategies that
support effective decision-making in extreme environments. How do
emergency responders manage stress, maintain clarity, and strike
the right balance between experience and instinct?


Olly shares insights into leadership, teamwork, and the ethical
dilemmas professionals face in high-stakes situations. From
navigating risk and resource limitations to post-incident
reflection, we examine how decision-making frameworks from
firefighting can be applied in paramedicine—and vice versa.


With a research focus on human factors, socio-cognitive
influences, and fast decision-making, Olly sheds light on the
role of intuition and expertise in high-pressure environments.
Drawing from his talk at the College of Paramedics Emergency and
Critical Care Conference, titled ‘From the Fireground:
Demystifying Extreme Decision Making for Emergency Responders’,
Olly brings a fresh perspective on how responders can refine
their approach to critical decision-making when every second
counts.


Join us as we unpack the strategies that can make the difference
between a good decision and a great one in emergency settings.





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