Why does your heart race, your hands shake, and your mind sharpen when you’re scared? This talk unpacks the biology of adrenaline and the ‘fight or flight’ response, showing how paramedics use this knowledge to make life-saving decisions in the heat of the moment.
About the event
Blue lights. A front door opens. A patient is breathless, heart hammering, mind racing.
Paramedics see the body’s built-in alarm system at full volume — the “science of sirens.” This session puts you in that moment. We’ll explore how signals surge through the body to sharpen thinking, speed the heart, and prime muscles, alongside what it means when those compensatory systems can’t keep up.
From exam nerves and jump scares to real 999 calls, Specialist Paramedic Sam Thompson reveals the biology of stress and survival, how clinicians recognise the tipping point, and why understanding it can save lives. Fast-paced, science-rich, and highly relatable for anyone curious about health, the human body, or a future career in healthcare.
The School of Health and Sciences lecture series is designed for those aged 16+ in sixth form and college who are interested in learning more about the field of healthcare and science. Each lecture in the series will explore a different topic, with the series intended to support you to develop your knowledge and help you consider your future options.
Please note, parents/carers and supporters are welcome to join us onsite too. Tickets to the lectures are free but must be booked in advance.
Attendance at City St George's events is subject to our terms and conditions.