[naturalman1975]

It’s why those who’ve served in the military, or the police, or the fire brigade - or any other disciplined service - tend to survive disasters better than those who haven’t. And also why they tend to save lives.

Because we’ve learned to act. To respond.

Other people can learn this lesson too - but it’s drummed into us.

Evaluate quickly - then do something.

[Alas Babylon!]

Right. That's formerly known as presence of mind, now called situational awareness. Whatever it's called, it's important that you become always aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye out for exits, entrances, people, the ambiance of a place, the normalness of a place, and what is different.

Practice it. You can become quite good at it.