5 minute read 
by Bethany Rees

First Aid for the Unplanned Chaos: How to Handle Emergencies When You Have No Idea What to Do

Let’s talk about one of life’s certainties: chaos. From spilled coffee on your white shirt right before a big presentation, to an unexpected “We need to talk…” text that makes your stomach drop — chaos is always lurking just around the corner, waiting to wreak havoc on your carefully planned day. And let’s be honest, most of us are about as prepared for these moments as we are for sudden calculus exams.

But hey, you’re not alone. Even President Dwight D. Eisenhower knew that plans don’t always go...well, according to plan. Back in 1957, ol’ Ike said, “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” Translation: when chaos comes crashing in like a toddler in a toy store, the plan you crafted is going to feel about as useful as a chocolate teapot. It’s the process of planning — thinking things through and being ready to adapt — that really matters. So, how do you handle the chaos? You apply a little leadership first aid!

First Aid Leadership 101: Because Life Didn’t Send a Warning Text

Whether you’re dealing with a crying baby at 3 a.m. (yes, babies have the magical ability to detect when you’ve just fallen asleep) or leading your team through a work crisis that seems as complicated as launching a rocket, there’s a way to regain control: First Aid Leadership. Here’s how it works:

1. Stay Calm and Check for Safety.

When chaos strikes, it’s natural to react. But freaking out will only add to the mess — just like tossing gasoline on a campfire. Instead, take a deep breath and assess the situation. Is everyone safe? Do you need to step back and get a better look? This is the time to get your bearings and make sure you’re not running head-first into a wall…again.

2. Stop the Bleed.

Okay, don’t worry, I’m not talking about actual blood (although if that’s the case, definitely grab a bandage). What I mean here is taking swift action to stop things from getting worse. For a screaming baby, this might mean checking if they need a diaper change. For a project gone haywire, it could be scheduling an emergency meeting to prioritize what needs fixing right now. Your goal is to prevent further damage before the chaos escalates to DEFCON 1.

3. Call for Help.

Whether it’s phoning a friend, texting your mom, or looping in a mentor, don’t try to handle it all alone. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a strategic move. There’s a reason airplanes tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others — you need to be at your best to make sound decisions.

4. Recenter and Recover.

Congratulations, you’ve survived the initial chaos! But before you move forward, you’ve got to give yourself a moment to breathe, process, and recover. Go for a walk, drink some water, or throw on a pump-up song (cue “Eye of the Tiger”). The point is to let your adrenaline settle so you can approach the rest of the situation with a clearer, calmer mindset.

The Calm After the Storm

So, next time life throws you a curveball, remember: plans might go out the window, but planning teaches you to be flexible, to adapt, and to lead through the chaos. With a little First Aid Leadership in your toolkit, you’ll be ready to handle whatever emergency comes your way — and who knows, you might even laugh about it later. After all, chaos is just part of the journey, right? And if nothing else, it makes for a great story to tell over coffee…just don’t spill it!

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. Respond with First Aid.

Rocks before Sand!

Scripture: 

“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’” ~ Luke 10:33-25

Theme Song: 

Casting Crowns - Lifesong (Official Lyric Video)

References Used:

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.