Well, I tend to think you should know how to deal with all of them. That being said, I think the important thing is to know how to act in any given situation.

Here's the thing. In an emergency, people don't change. Instead they stand revealed. Some people freeze. Some react in a negative way. Some rise to the occasion. Knowing who you are as a person will help you when you're in a situation where your true self is shown to all.

Set emotions aside: This is why men are taught, as young boys, to repress their emotions. That stoic aspect you learned is now a tool. There isn't time for fear and sadness. Save that for when all is said and done.

Lead, follow or get out of the way: You have a split second to figure out which of those three you're going to do. If it's follow, then great. Find the person in charge, shut up and do what's needed. If it's get out of the way, then just take care of yourself (not recommended). If you have to lead, and there will be times when this happens, then the most dangerous thing you can do is to dither and appear indecisive. Listen to other people's opinions, but you have to make the call.

Know where your tools are: There are so many tools a man should have ready. If you're not carrying a tool kit in your vehicle, go buy one today. Make sure you have a first aid kit handy, and a general survival kit composed of blankets, food, water and other goods. In my Jeep, for example, I have enough to camp out for a week or two if need be.

Don't panic: I know this is just the first point, but it can't be stressed enough. You have to be the calm in the storm. Fight or Flight will be kicking in hard, you have to overcome the chemicals your body is pumping into you. Keep in action, and set an example for those around you.

Nice thing is that a life or death situation doesn't happen too many times in a person's life...but it's almost sure to happen. It may be an accident, it may be a fire, it may be something bigger, but it will happen.