Which term refers to the response to an unavoidable stressor?

The term "stress response" is associated with the physiological and psychological reactions that occur when an individual is confronted with an unavoidable stressor. This response includes a range of reactions within the body, often termed the "fight or flight" response, which is triggered by the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These reactions are aimed at preparing the body to deal with the stressor, whether it involves fleeing from danger or confronting it.

Understanding the stress response is crucial for emergency medical dispatchers, as they frequently encounter high-pressure situations that can evoke intense stress reactions. Recognizing and managing one's own stress response is essential to maintaining operational effectiveness and providing appropriate support to callers in distress.

The other options describe different aspects of stress and coping but do not specifically define the physiological and emotional responses triggered by an unavoidable stressor. Emotional fatigue refers to a state of emotional exhaustion often resulting from prolonged stress, while coping mechanisms are strategies used to manage stress but do not directly address the initial reactions to a stressor. Critical incidents refer to significant events that can cause trauma or stress but do not encompass the general concept of a stress response itself.