Stress levels associated with huet - Opito

MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
Stress due to exits
OPITO
This short report reviewing the implications of introducing the operation and removal of
exits into BOSIET and FOET courses was commissioned by UKOOA and OPITO, with
funded from OPITO. The research was instigated following a consultation process on
proposed changes to the OPITO Basic and Further emergency response training courses,
where concerns were raised regarding the levels of stress and anxiety that may be
experienced by some course delegates, the possibility that stress levels may be increased
by the introduction of exit operation and the potential health risks associated with such a
change.
A review of the literature relating to stress provided evidence that stress is a normal
response to a perceived threatening situation that helps the body to react in an
appropriate manner. Whilst low levels of stress may be beneficial, higher levels are
undesirable. Anticipatory anxiety appears to be a particular problem associated with
emergency response training, caused in part by negative rumours and the emotive nature
of discussions relating to HUET training. Stress and anxiety experienced prior to and
during HUET training is linked to a fear of what could happen and a perceived lack of
control over events during the training.
When considering the impact of including the operation of exits into training, the evidence
suggests that levels of stress may increase somewhat in a proportion of delegates, but
that those who receive comprehensive higher fidelity training will be more confident as a
result of this training. Course delegates and training staff interviewed after HUET training
involving exits were not particularly worried by the experience of using exits and the
majority supported the introduction of exits into the BOSIET and FOET courses.
With regard to delegate health, the main concern remains with those delegates who may
experience high levels of anxiety prior to and during HUET training. It is suggested that
an approach should be taken whereby levels of stress should be reduced to as low a level
as possible through a process of continuous improvement. It is recommended that some
changes should be made to the training and that measures should be taken to identify and
provide additional help to those suffering from stress and anxiety.
Report prepared and authorised by: SRK Coleshaw
Signature: ………………………………….
Consultant
Date: …………………
SC/MD/OPITO/063301 10.11.2006 Page vii