Most people are pumped up during the emergency and recover right after. I've learned that I'm a little different, thanks to plenty of opportunity to be scared out of my mind working in corrections. I'm cool as ice water during the situation, but right after, when the danger has passed, I shake like a leaf. I don't begin real recovery until the shaking passes, up to an hour later.

The prison doctor told me it was because my body produces too much (not enough? I forget) noradrenaline. Whatever the case, staying cool-headed while the crap was happening probably saved my life at least once.

What about everyone else? I'm particularly interested in (para-)military folks who have been in ugly situations.