Handle stressful situations

Deal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions.

remain level headed in stressful circumstances
deal with stressful situations
cope with fast-paced situations
cope with stressful situations
handle stressful working conditions
endure stressful situations
handle distressing situations
maintain composure in stressful work environments
maintain composure in stressful working conditions
manage highly stressful situations in the workplace
cope with highly stressful working conditions

skill/competence

cross-sector

Handle stressful situations is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Rail switchperson: Rail switchpersons assist in the tasks of the traffic controller. They operate switches and signals according to rail traffic control instructions, according to regulations and compliant with safety rules.
Election observer: Election observers are skilled and trained spectators of  the elections in a functioning democracy in order to enhance the transparency and credibility of the observed elections.
Ordinary seaman: Ordinary seamen occupy the lowest rank of a maritime ship’s deck crew. They comprise the main labour force on board a boat where they help to operate the ship. They are supervised by the ship captain and the engineer, and can be given instructions by any individuals ranked above them.
Air traffic controller: Air traffic controllers assist pilots by providing information concerning the height, speed and course. They assist pilots in order to facilitate a safe take off and landing of aircrafts. They are responsible for maintaining a secure and orderly movement of aircraft along major air routes up in the sky and around airports. They control air traffic in and within vicinity of airports according to established procedures and policies to prevent collisions and to minimise delays arising from traffic congestion.
Helicopter pilot: Helicopter pilots fly helicopters in order to transport passengers and cargo from one place to another. They plan flights using aeronautical charts and navigation instruments. Prior to departure, they inspect helicopters following checklists to detect leaking hydraulic fluid, inoperative control, low fuel level, or other unsafe conditions.
Co-pilot: Co-pilots are responsible for assisting captains by monitoring the flight instruments, handling radio communications, watching for air traffic, and taking over for the pilot as needed. They adhere to the pilot’s commands, flight plans, and regulations and procedures of aviation national authorities, companies, and airports.
Train driver: Train drivers operate trains providing passenger or cargo transport services. They are responsible for driving the locomotive in safe manner, respecting all relevant safety, operational and communication regulations, and have full responsibility for the safety of passengers and cargo. The task involves cooperation and communication with the relevant staff under the infrastructure manager, as well as with staff on board the train.
Logistics and distribution manager: Logistics and distribution managers take decisions on logistic services, operations and provisions. They take internal and external variables into consideration for effective and successful organisational logistic services. They give appropriate support to all the activities of the supply chain from the beginning to the end. These professionals organise the storage and distribution of goods and ensure that the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at a good cost.
Cabin crew manager: Cabin crew managers are responsible for motivating the cabin crew team to surpass passengers’ expectations and for the application of safety regulations on board the plane.
Chief conductor: Chief conductors are responsible for the safe performance of all operational tasks on board of passenger trains outside the drivers cab, such as supervising safe opening and closing of the train’s doors. They supervise and ensure the continuous care for the safety of passengers, especially in the case of technical incidents and emergency situations. They ensure the operational communication to the driver and to traffic control staff as defined in operational regulations. In case of several staff members attending the train, they supervise the team of conductors. They also provide commercial activities such as ticket control and selling, and provide support and information to passengers, and provide gastronomic services.
 
Train dispatcher: Train dispatchers ensure the safe and efficient dispatch of the train services. The safety of customers is their main priority. When carrying out train dispatch duties, they check the traffic signals and communicate promptly with train drivers and conductors that it is safe for the train to pull away.
Rescue diver: Rescue divers are divers that manage underwater emergencies. They prevent and manage problems underwater, handle dive emergencies and operate rescue equipment. Rescue divers manage diving operations in seas or waterways. They work under demanding physical conditions to rescue and retrieve people or objects.
Second officer: Second officers are responsible for monitoring and controlling various aircraft systems including fixed-wing and rotary wing. They work in close coordination with the two pilots during all phases of flight. They make pre-flight, inflight, and post flight inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs. They verify parameters such as passenger and cargo distribution, the amount of fuel, aircraft performance, and appropriate engine speed according to instructions of pilots.
Deck officer: Deck officers or mates perform the watch duties on board of vessels like determining the course and speed, manoeuvring to avoid hazards, and continuously monitoring the vessels position using charts and navigational aids. They maintain logs and other records tracking the ship’s movements. They ensure that the proper procedures and safety practices are followed, check that equipment is in good working order, and oversee the loading and discharging of cargo or passengers. They supervise crew members engaged in maintenance and the primary upkeep of the vessel.
Tram controller: Tram controllers assign and manage tram vehicles and drivers for the transport of passengers, including records of distances covered and of repairs made.
Train conductor: Train conductors assist passengers in the boarding and leaving of the train. They answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and provide timetable information. They collect tickets, fares, and passes from passengers and support the chief conductor in performing his operational tasks e.g in regard to door closing or certain operational communication. They ensure the safety of passengers respond to technical incidents and emergency situations.
Flight attendant: Flight attendants perform a variety of personal services conducive to the safety and comfort of airline passengers during flight. They greet passengers, verify tickets, and directs passengers to assigned seats. They prepare reports after landing describing how the flight went in terms of operations, procedures, and anomalities.
Rail traffic controller: Rail traffic controllers operate signals and points that help make sure trains run safely and on time. They operate from a signal box in order to control the order and movement of trains and ensure safety at all times. They are responsible for maintaining safety standards when trains are running normally and also in degraded or emergency operational situations.

Handle stressful situations is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Steward/stewardess: Stewards/stewardesses perform food and beverage service activities on all land, sea and air travel services.
Aircraft pilot: Aircraft pilots control and navigate aircraft. They operate the mechanical and electrical systems of the aircraft and transport people, mail and freight.
Motorcycle delivery person: Motorcycle delivery persons perform the transportation of all kinds of packets containing objects, loose pieces, prepared meals, medications and documents that require special treatment in terms of urgency, value or fragility. They transport and deliver their packets by motorcycle.

References

1. Handle stressful situations – ESCO