Which statement is true about hysterical behavior during an evacuation?

Which statement is true about hysterical behavior during an evacuation?

• A. Negative panic
• B. Hysterical running about indicates positive panic
• C. Calm, orderly movement
• D. No reaction

Answer: (B)

During an evacuation, people respond along a spectrum from calm compliance to panic-driven chaos. Hysterical running about shows the person is reacting with strong fear and trying to escape, rather than freezing or ignoring the alarm. This active, unstructured behavior is described as positive panic: it indicates action and a push to evacuate, even though the movement is disorganized. It’s not calm, orderly movement, and it’s not no reaction, and it’s not a purely negative, immobilized response. So, while positive panic isn’t ideal because it can create hazards, it best matches the observed behavior of someone who is panicking yet still moving to exit.

During an evacuation, people respond along a spectrum from calm compliance to panic-driven chaos. Hysterical running about shows the person is reacting with strong fear and trying to escape, rather than freezing or ignoring the alarm. This active, unstructured behavior is described as positive panic: it indicates action and a push to evacuate, even though the movement is disorganized. It’s not calm, orderly movement, and it’s not no reaction, and it’s not a purely negative, immobilized response. So, while positive panic isn’t ideal because it can create hazards, it best matches the observed behavior of someone who is panicking yet still moving to exit.