"Remain Calm"

Remain Calm

Over the years I have taught officer survival and safety classes to a lot of officers ranging from different criminal justice professionals such as: police, probation, parole, corrections, court security, etc. I have also been fortunate enough to attend many different officer survival classes from a variety of sources. One thing that generally comes up is that one should “remain calm” during a crisis. I was recently teaching an Active Shooter class for a large metropolitan court. My co-facilitator told the participants to, “remain calm during a crisis but you probably won’t.” Why tell them to do something that they probably won’t be able to do! I was a bit disappointed in his approach and really decided to give it some thought. I too have been in a lot of training classes as a student where the instructor tells us to remain calm. But, the reality is that in a crisis most people feel fear and some even panic although trained individuals have the ability to control their fear better than others. So what does “remain calm” really mean?

In giving this apparently simple question some though I have developed an idea that I hope you find useful. Remaining calm is not what most people would think. It isn’t about relaxing, chilling out, disengaging, or giving in as these are not options.

Remaining calm is about maintaining your focus in an emergency so that, despite fear, you are able to conduct your response at peak performance.

In a crisis almost everyone will be nervous. This is a normal response to a crisis. What separates the trained person from the untrained is the ability to perform effectively under stressful situations that are often very dynamic, violent, and potentially life-threatening. It is known that panic is contagious but so is calm. So, how do you remain calm during a crisis?

When a crisis occurs do the following:

First, you must immediately recognize what is happening and accept it. Don’t rationalize or minimize the danger. Don’t get into the mindset that this can’t be happening. This is the time to get your mind and body in the fight! Going into Condition Black (freezing) will lead to severe injury or death. 

Second, your body will respond with both physiological and psychological responses. This is normal. The best way to overcome these normal responses is to breathe commonly referred to as combat breathing or autogenic breathing. Whichever name you call it the key is to NOT hold your breath during a crisis or you may pass out or feel numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips. 

Third, stay or get focused on the threat and respond appropriately.

Going from step 1 to step 3 can happen in a very short amount of time and actually should as you don’t have seconds to spare in a crisis or emergency. Failure to appropriately respond can lead to your untimely demise.

So, the next time someone tells you to “remain calm” during a crisis remember what they are really saying is stay focused on the task at hand and respond appropriately. 

TC

(C) 2013

Self-Assessment

Self-Assessment

The purpose of this brief assessment is to quickly identify areas that may be problematic requiring further training or lifestyle changes. There are many lifestyle habits that can severely and negatively diminish your ability to respond at peak performance during a crisis. 

None of the questions are designed to trick you. Answer in an open and honest manner without the temptation to make yourself look good.   

1.      Does the possibility exist that you can be assaulted or attacked in the course of your day?

             Yes,                           No

2.      How would you rate the possibility of being assaulted?

                         High                          Medium                     Low                Not possible

 3.      Are you mentally prepared to respond to an assault?

             Yes,                           No

4.      Do you regularly practice visualization or imagery techniques to help improve your Performance relating to a crisis situation?

             Yes,                           No

5.      Are you physically prepared to respond to an assault?

             Yes,                           No

6.      Are you confident in your ability to respond to a physical confrontation?

             Yes,                           No

7.      Do you have a difficult time staying focused during a crisis?

             Yes,                           No

8.      Are you current on your states laws regarding the use of force?

             Yes,                           No

9. Do you regularly practice self-defense skills?

             Yes,                           No

10. Do you regularly practice firearms skills?

             Yes,                           No                 

11. Do you exercise for at least 30 minutes at a time, 3 days per week?

             Yes,                           No

12. Can you run one mile in 10 minutes?

             Yes,                           No

13. Do you eat at least two healthy meals per day?

             Yes,                           No

14. Do you drink more than three caffeinated beverages per day?

             Yes,                           No

15. Do you get at least seven hours of sleep per night?

             Yes,                           No

16. Do you drink more than 5 alcoholic drinks per week?

             Yes,                           No

17. Do you use tobacco products such as cigarettes or chewing tobacco?

             Yes,                           No

18. Do you use abuse prescription medication or use medications in a manner that differ from the directions in which they were prescribed?

             Yes,                           No

19. Do you use goal setting as a way to plan accomplishing your written goals?

             Yes,                           No

Once you have completed this assessment go back and review your answers. Based upon your answers:

1. Do you have the proper mindset, knowledge and understanding of policies, mental skills, and physical skills to successfully resolve a crisis?

2. Are your lifestyle choices relating to sleep, exercise, and use of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine or prescription medication preventing you from performing at an effective level to respond appropriately to a crisis?

3. Do you have clearly defined written goals relating to fitness, lifestyle or skills along with a clear action plan to accomplish your goals?

Once you have identified problematic answers then develop an action plan and, if necessary, training regiment to improve deficient areas. The reality is that we cannot perform at a peak level in a crisis, especially a life or death crisis, without proper:

•  Mindset
• Mental skills
• Physical skills
• Working knowledge of state laws relating to use of force issues
• Healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, exercise and stress management skills

You owe it to yourself, family, friends and those who love you to have the knowledge, skills and ability to function at a peak performance during a crisis. The goal is not just to go home at the end of your day but to go home healthy and unharmed.

Before proceeding any further I urge you to make a commitment to yourself that you will ‘commit to win’ by develop an action plan to improve any deficient areas that you have identified. Failure is not an option.

1. Will you commit right now to correcting any noted deficiencies?

             Yes,                           No

Violence Response 101

Many people feel that they don’t have the time to devote to self-defense training yet they want some basic information on how to defend themselves should the need arise. Following are easy and effective targets to strike when your life is in danger. Surviving and attack does not require much skill but it absolutely requires will. As I was once told by a Tier 1 special operations warrior, “The will to win beats the skill to win.” This is a very important point for someone who has not dedicated their life to fighting or martial ways. You don’t need to be a highly trained fighter to win; you need to never give up. In a life or death fight you must prevail. The alternative is not optional. 

The following information is “principle” based and not “technique” based. In other words I am going to provide you three targets to hit during a violent encounter. Hitting the target effectively along with the reason you are striking the target (principle) is what is important. How you strike the target (technique) is not the priority.

During a life or death encounter you want to strike the following targets:

• Eyes               Principle: Disrupt vision and cause extreme pain

• Throat            Principle: Disrupt breathing

• Groin              Principle: Cause extreme pain

Principles in Action:

An attacker will be significantly reduced in his ability to hurt you if he cannot see, breath, or is in extreme pain. Your goal is to strike these targets fast, repeatedly, and aggressively until the attacker is no longer a threat. Hit each target over and over again until the attacker is neutralized and you can safely leave the area to call the police. Use weapons of opportunity if possible such as a pen, keys, or sharp object to the eyes and throat, Use your knee to repeatedly and forcefully strike the groin. In other words you are to: "Attack the attacker." Make him pay dearly for choosing you as a potential victim.

The world of violence is a brutal and unforgiving place. You may only have one opportunity to initiate your barrage of pain on the attacker. Fully commit to your actions or you will be the one paying the price potentially with your blood or your life. It is not pretty but it must be done to survive. Those who say violence is never the answer have never been in a life or death fight. The thought of taking a pen and stabbing it into your attackers eyes is repulsive. The though of taking a pen and repeatedly stabbing your attackers throat until bright red blood is spurting all over you is repulsive. To feel the attackers warm blood on you is repulsive. To hear him screaming in agony is repulsive. If this is the price you have to pay to survive then DO it. What is more repulsive then you surviving is you giving up. Never give up. 

Warriors come in all shape and sizes. You don’t have to be able to do the splits to survive. You don’t have to know how to do a perfectly executed jump spinning back kick. You just have to hit three targets by any means necessary. Your goal is not just to survive the attack but prevail. The alternative should be repulsive to you and unthinkable. When necessary be the warrior!

TC

© 2013

Summer Mentality Can Lead to Complacency

As summer approaches and the weather warms up we must remain vigilant against possible threats. With nice weather people tend to let their guards down and become complacent as if crime and violence take a hiatus. We cognitively know this is not true yet many lose discipline and put their safety & security on the back burner. They get wrapped up in the moment. They get wrapped up in the fun. They choose comfort over inconvenience. Resist this tendency and remain focused. 

Following are reminders for summer safety:

• Always maintain situational awareness
• Know where exits are located and routes of egress
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water during the summer months
• Dress to fight if necessary. This may mean avoiding flip flops or sandals.
• Do not go overboard on alcohol consumption. Alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make you feel invincible even though you are not.
• Carry a weapon when possible. Even if you are going to a water park, local pool, beach or other place where clothing is minimal try to carry a tactical knife.
• Most important of all is having the proper winning mindset. If you are attacked you must prevail.

Summer is a time for family, vacations, camping, water parks, and having fun. Many memories are made during the summer months. Unfortunately, violent criminals take advantage of any opportunity they can. Don’t give them an opportunity. You can have fun and be safe at the same time. Remember, criminals love it when you are complacent. Be a hard target and make the criminal choose another victim. Don’t let it be you or your family that is victimized.

Have a great summer and most of all…Stay safe!

TC

© 2013

Emergency Communications (EMCOMM)

Today, many individuals and groups are on the “prepper” kick. There are a host of survival shows catering to this market. Unfortunately, one aspect that is often neglected is emergency communications also called EMCOMM. Too many people are complacent when it comes to EMCOMM’s and still falsely believe that all they need is their cell phone. This is pure ignorance and not realistic. Reality has proven time and time again that cell phone service during an emergency is not reliable. To prove this point we only need to look at 9/11, the Boston marathon bombing, hurricane Katrina, and a host of other natural and man-caused events. Cell phone service quickly failed if only due to the amount of people attempting to make phone calls at the same time which overwhelmed the networks. During a crisis you must assume that your cell phone service will not work. No cell phone service! Now what?

If you are looking for a form of reliable communications one of your best options is utilization of amateur radio also known as ham radio. Ham radio has been around for years and while “old school” is great for EMCOMM. Two of the best assets of ham radio is that it is very reliable and widely available. Even during a crisis ham radios will continue to function in most circumstances. While ham radio is probable the best form of communications during an emergency, like anything else, there are advantages and limitations. 

Advantages of ham radio include: 

• Various data types such as voice, text, data, photos, documents, e-mail, television. Many people do not understand the numerous capabilities of ham radio. Also, like many products, the radio that you are using may not support each of these functions.
• Range in excess of 100 miles with repeaters (If repeaters are not damaged)
• Operates using simplex or repeaters
• Ham radios are widely available and easy to obtain
• Moderately priced. You can get a high quality entry level radio for $150.00.
• Handheld, mobile, and base stations available. During a crisis you will benefit most from a handheld radio which is referred to as a “handy talkie” or HT.
• Reliability
• Interoperability
• More simultaneous conversations possible
• Connect to computer assuming that you have power.
• Connect to global positioning system (GPS) and automated position reporting system (APRS) as long as your radio supports these functions

 Limitations of a ham radio include:

 

• Requires license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• No business use is authorized
• Operators cannot be paid except for a very limited circumstance that will not apply during an emergency
• Complex radios that require a learning curve and practice
• Complex protocols that take time and practice to get comfortable with especially for emergency use

Ham Radio Basics:

In order to operate a ham radio you must be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The website to the FCC is http://www.fcc.gov/. It is illegal to operate a ham radio without a license. There are three classes of licenses available to new ham operators: Technician, General, and Extra. Each license provides you access to different frequencies. It is recommended, although not necessary, to obtain at least a General license for EMCOMMs. If you only receive a Technicians license you will still be fine during an emergency and better off than most people. Receiving an Extra class license is not necessary although it will not hurt. To start out you will need to pass a 35 question exam to receive a Technician’s license. In order to pass the exam you must get at least 26 questions correct on the exam. All of the exam questions are available for free on the internet. The Technician class (Element 2) Pool is effective July 1, 2010 and is valid until June 30, 2014. The question pool consists of approximately 394 questions. You can download a free copy of the question pool at:

• http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Get%20Licensed/HRLM%202nd/QPOOL-study%20guide-2nd-ed.pdf

• http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/Revised%20Element%202.Pdf

• http://hamelmer.com/Assets/Docs/Tech/2010_Element_2_QandA.pdf

• http://www.arrl.org/question-pools

You can also take free practice tests at:

http://hamexam.org/exam/9-Technician

http://aa9pw.com/

Other highly recommended study references are:

The Ham Whisperer's Technician Class License Course by Andy Vellenga available at: http://www.amazon.com/Whisperers-Technician-Class-License-Course/dp/1456484818/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

The No-Nonsense Technician Class License Study Guide by Dan Romanchik available at: http://www.amazon.com/No-Nonsense-Technician-Class-License-ebook/dp/B004G8QVD2/ref=cm_cr-mr-title or for free at: http://kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/2006techstudyguide.pdf

HamElmer.com Technician Test Self Study Guide available for free at: http://hamelmer.com/Assets/Docs/Tech/HamElmer%20Technician%20Study%20Guide%202.1.pdf

Technically speaking you can study and prepare for the test without having to purchase any additional items as all the information is available for free on the Internet including all of the test questions. Don’t be overwhelmed by the test questions as with a little practice and studying you can easily pass the test. There are 10 year olds with a Technicians class license! The question pool is changed every four years. Once you pass your exam your license is good for 10 years and you never have to retake the test. You only have to reregister your license with the FCC. 

Getting Started:

In order to obtain your Technicians license there are a few steps to follow.

1. To get started get a PO Box that you can use to register with the FCC. The reason for doing this is because once you are issued your call sign anyone can go to the FCC website (http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp) and enter your name or call sign and your address will appear. If you put your home address it will be there for all to see. Get a PO Box and protect your home address.

           2. Then go to the Federal Communications Commission Universal Licensing System website at http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home and register to obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN). This number will be used to uniquely identify you in all transactions with the FCC. Also, when you get a FRN you won’t have to use your social security number on your license application. Once you obtain your FRN do not lose it because you will need it on the day you take your Technicians exam.

      3. Study, take practice exams, study, take practice exams, etc. Do this until you are confident that you can pass the test.

 
4.  Take the test. To find an exam location go to: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session. Generally, the cost of testing is $15.00.

So you studied, took numerous practice tests, and passed your exam. Congratulations, you now have a Technician’s level ham radio license. You have taken a serious step towards having emergency communications abilities. Now what?

Getting your First Ham Radio:

Now you decide what type of radio you want. There are generally three types of ham radios: portable handy talkies (HT), mobile, and base station. For EMCOMM’s consider getting a HT. The advantage of a HT is that you can carry it with you in your everyday carry (EDC) bag. These radios are 5 watt radios so they are not high powered radios although repeaters can significantly increase the power of your transmission. You can get a 100 watt mobile radio but they are much bigger and heavier than a HT. It all comes down to your needs. I will provide a specific recommendation of your first HT radio but before I do I want to go over three companies that produce high quality ham radios. When purchasing a ham radio I highly recommend that you buy one from a quality company that makes a quality product. The companies I recommend are: Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood. There are other companies that make ham radios but these three are, in my opinion, the best. When looking to purchase a radio I recommend Ham Radio Outlet (HRO) at http://www.hamradio.com/ as they generally have the lowest prices and a good selection (I have no relationship with HRO.) While I love Amazon.com they tend to be high on their prices for ham radios except on BaoFeng ham radios which are a low cost radio from China which you can get for under $50.00 at http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Band-Improved-Stronger/dp/B0097252UK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=7H6CLRWJD4QR&coliid=I3JERALUAJXN1A.  What to get for your first ham radio.

Choosing your first ham radio is a daunting task. I know as I recently went through this process. I did a ton of research, went to a lot of company websites and forums, talked to members of different CERT teams, read a lot of product information, did a lot of comparisons and consulted with my partner at Survival Skillcraft. At the end of the day we decided on a basic dual band 2m/70cm handy talkie. The radio we chose was the Yaesu FT-60R. This radio is an excellent choice for those with a Technician’s class license. 

You can find this radio at Ham Radio Outlet for $149.95 at http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-007323

For product information go to Yaesu’s website at: http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=111&encProdID=6EC43B29CEF0EC2B4E19BB7371688B7F&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0.

For reviews of this radio check out eHam.net reviews at:  http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4286.

The Yaesu FT-60R does not have a lot of “bells and whistles” but it is a very solid, rugged, and dependable radio that has proven itself over the years. I purposely wanted to learn on a basic radio so that I focus on learning the fundamental skills of operating a ham radio instead of focusing on the “gadgets” that come with some of the newer radios. I can always upgrade to the latest and greatest radio in the future but not before I master the basic rudimentary skills. I was going to get a Yaesu VX-7R and grow into the radio as my skill set grows but I decided to stick to the basics. This approach has never failed me when embarking on new endeavors whether learning firearms, martial arts, or other relevant skills. Learn the basics and learn them well. Also, the Yaesu is very reasonably priced. I do recommend upgrading your antenna to the Diamond SRH77CA which is a 2M/440 Dual + Wide Band 15 inch antenna that costs about $22.95. For more information go to HRO at: http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-006297. 

If you are serious about emergency preparedness, disaster planning, prepping, or survival then amateur radio is the way to go. It does take some effort on your part but the reward is reliable communications when everyone else is looking dumbfounded and in frustration at their useless cell phone. Ham radio provides you a capability that will come in handy during a crisis. You have to earn this skill but the effort is worth it. Now start studying and in a few weeks you will be prepared to take the test.

73’s (Ham speak for Best Regards)

TC

© 2013 Copyright