What term describes a victim who experiences irrational behavior and emotional distress during a crisis?

The term that describes a victim who experiences irrational behavior and emotional distress during a crisis is panic. When individuals are faced with a traumatic or high-stress situation, they can become overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, leading to a state of panic. This may result in erratic behavior that is not typically reflective of their normal decision-making processes.

In a water rescue scenario, recognizing a victim in a state of panic is crucial for responders. Panic can lead individuals to act in self-destructive ways, such as thrashing in the water or attempting to escape a perceived threat without considering their safety. Understanding this behavior helps rescuers strategize more effectively, as they may need to approach the victim with care to alleviate their fears and ensure a safe rescue.

It’s important to differentiate this from other behaviors. Normal survival behavior encompasses typical responses to stress that may not involve irrational actions, while counter panic refers to a situation where someone is deliberately trying to manage or counteract their panic. The instinctive drowning response involves specific physical actions observed in drowning victims, which are distinct from panic-driven behaviors.