Was exactly the same when I worked in a laptop repair place. People would say I think it's "part x" and demand that we order it in without looking at their car No is what I would say to them
Its in with the ABS control unit, it senses the increase in brake pressure over time, so effectively how sharply you bang the pedal. The trick is to hit the pedal hard enough, then moderate braking to keep the lights flashing while slowing down at a not-too-rediculous speed.
I used to work for Volvo, and their system would also apply the brake for you. I think the Bosch system Fiat use does the same, but is a bit more reluctant to help that much, sometimes with the Volvo I used to do an emergency stop without wanting to.