[fl7305]

> none of them thought to use a nearby heavy steel trolley as a battering ram

It has been my experience that most people will freeze up more or less in an emergency. Some people will become completely catatonic, while others "just" lose 40 IQ points and start focusing on unimportant stuff ("I should clean my room" when there's a fire).

Some rare individuals are naturally calm in an emergency. I'm not one of those, but through unfortunate experiences I now recognize when it happens to me and I can force myself to prioritize and think logically.

[adave]

People who are calm and composed in chaos had that as a natural state growing up, hence when shit hits the fan these folks feel at ease and ready to do what's needed.

[fl7305]

That might help, but I've also seen people who grew up in the most sedate middle class families have that kind of natural composure.