The Importance of Assessment & Awareness in Self-Defense

by
posted on November 15, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sheriff-jim-5-28-15.jpg (41)

It was a force-on-force class using Simunitions. The two student partners walked down a path and, as they rounded the bend, saw an attractive, young woman lying crumpled on the ground by the path. One of the men, who happened to be an EMT in real life, rushed to her side and knelt down. Just then, a bad guy came busting out of the brush on the other side of the path, and the shooting started. Fortunately, the two partners made quick work of him. As they were smiling at each other, pleased with their shooting prowess, the “injured” girl rolled over and ran a rubber knife across the student’s throat.

In the debriefing, the student told the instructors that he was an EMT and that he had to go to the aid of the girl. One of the instructors said, “No, you used to be an EMT. Now, you’re just a dead man.”

I wonder how many times motorists have stopped along the highway to assist someone who appears to be a stranded motorist only to find out that they are a decoy and the helpful motorist is now the victim of a robbery, car jacking or worse. We should always keep in mind that things are not always what they seem to be. We certainly may stop and help others–thank goodness that people still do that–but we should definitely be in Condition Orange and keep an eye out for potential trouble.

Suppose you walk into a convenience store and see a man pointing a gun at the cashier. And, as you enter, he turns and points his gun at you. Hopefully, you will be alert enough to neutralize the threat before he can shoot you. But don’t let your guard down just because you have survived a gunfight. You should assume that the armed robber had an accomplice or accomplices. Is his partner hiding in some other part of the store drawing a bead on you? Or was his partner in the get-away car in the parking lot and currently moving up to shoot you in the back?

Essentially, when we encounter a person making an attack, or even one who is acting suspiciously, we should assume that he or she is not alone. That affects how we choose to respond, the nature of the cover we might choose and the action that we will take. In the case of a person who appears stranded, or in need of help, the best thing to do might be just to go on by and call 911.

Finally, we need to avoid rushing into situations too quickly. Take time to look and assess. You don’t want to be in the situation of thinking that you are about to be a hero when, in fact, you could be injured or killed.

Latest

Ruger LCP Max Thumb Safety
Ruger LCP Max Thumb Safety

First Look: Ruger LCP Max With Thumb Safety

Add a little more peace of mind to a popular pocket pistol.

I Carry: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1 9mm Pistol in a Galco Holster

In this special Independence Day episode of "I Carry," we have the new Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1 pistol carried in a Galco Concealable 2.0 Belt Holster along with a Galco SB& Fancy Stitched Belt and Double Magazine Carrier.

First Look: Viktos Counteract 15 CCW Backpack

Built from the ground up for everyday carry.

Ruger Acquires Anderson Manufacturing

Ruger will integrate Anderson’s capabilities into its broader operations.

Review: Sunshine Safety Emergency Medical Gear

Because there's more than one way to be your own first responder.

First Look: CMMG Zeroed Suppressors

CMMG extends the Zeroed line of accessories into the world of suppressors.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.