Specifically to a medical emergency, one has no real choice at the time of the injury or illness. But prior to the injury or illness it is incumbent upon the individual to prepare themselves, physically and mentally, against the possibility of such a situation, hence the need in our society for medical insurance for instance, for fitness and a healthy diet, and for at least a rudimentary study of medicine and health care such that they are not so likely to make unwise decisions when it comes to a) choosing a physician, and b) listening to the options and recommendations presented by that physician. To blindly follow is to accept that another's wisdom is ALWAYS greater than our own, an absurd perspective, however gracious it may be in terms of humility.Russ wrote:How critical reading & critical thinking you will use in this case?
If you have a medical emergency probably you will choose go to the doctor who has specific knowledge of the subject or disease. Will you chose go to the library of Congress instead?
To put your example into terms relevant to this forum's purpose; let's say the 'medical emergency' is a 'match.' Would you go to a match and compete without preparing yourself in every conceivable way, including a deep, long-practised understanding of your own psychology around stress as it relates to shooting accurately, diet, exercise, whatever tendencies you have to lose visual or emotional focus on the task, etc.? I should think these and much more preparation would be obvious necessities even for a novice competitor, just as is the participation of a coach (and/or consultant) when the time is right.
I competed as a runner and a cyclist for years, and usually finished top-10 in whatever event I entered, often top-3. I had little if any coaching. I learned by doing, something I've always done. What I glean from this experience, and so many others in my particular life, is that most of my learning of whatever trade or hobby or sport can be done on my own, following the written works of others and coupling that knowledge to my own hands-on approach. I'm not for a minute suggesting that this is suitable for everyone. It's just what works for me. (And yeah, I know, talk to you after the Nationals... so predictable.)
Shooting is not a medical emergency Russ. Unless you shoot yourself in the foot that is.