- HANDS ON DAN MARCOU
DOWN BUT NOT OUT
ESCAPING AN ATTACK WHILE ON YOUR BACK
FIGHTING FROM YOUR BACK
Like everything else in self-defense, the time to think about how you would respond to an attacker taking you down to the ground is now, while you have plenty of time to train.Can you imagine being knocked down to the ground, onto your back, with a criminal straddling you? Without preparation, you might freeze. But if you properly train for this attack — or any attack — the outcome can be far better.THE ATTACK
If you find yourself falling to your back when you’re suddenly attacked, before you do anything else, tuck your chin to your chest. It will keep the back of your head from snapping back and striking the pavement, which could put you out of the fight immediately.Once you hit the ground and before the attacker is on you, you can use your momentum to roll over your shoulder and get up to your feet. However, if he or she is already on top of you, it is imperative you react quickly before the aggressor can establish balance.STEP 1: GUARD UP
You can still fight from the ground. Plant both of your feet firmly on the ground, with your knees bent, and get your guard up between you and the attacker. You can actually land solid punches to the suspect’s nose and face from this position.STEP 2: KNEE STRIKE TO AND THROUGH THE BUTTOCKS
With your right knee, strike up at an angle to the buttocks, trying to drive your knee through the buttocks on a line toward your own left shoulder. If the attacker straddling you is like most, he or she will be leaning forward on the assault. This will compromise his or her balance, causing him or her to fall forward and at an angle toward and over your shoulder.STEP 3: FOLLOW THROUGH BY ROLLING THROUGH
As stated, you strike with your right knee and drive through the buttocks toward your left shoulder. Follow through by rolling, with your buttocks following your knee and then your back following your buttocks. Continue this full-body roll by rolling over your left shoulder. If the attacker is what we in the self-defense business call “riding high,” this strike and immediate roll before he or she can regain balance will launch your assailant forward. Continue your roll until you are on your knees and the aggressor is on his or her back.Considering the ferocity of your attacker’s assault and now that you find yourself in a good position to do so, it would be appropriate to deliver impact to and through the attacker’s groin with your knee. That should at least temporarily pause the assault. After the impact to the groin, if possible, disengage and call the police.DON’T STOP FIGHTING
If the attempt does not work, remember you can still punch, elbow, scratch, gouge and kick. After a few of these impacts, try the knee-strike rollover again. However, if the attacker is imminently going to cause death or great bodily harm, and if you can reach your legally carried firearm or other weapon, this would be the time to access and use it.
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- LIFELINE ANTHONY LAMBERT
FEEL THE HEAT
DIAGNOSING AND PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED INJURIES
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Summer weather is around the corner, and millions of Americans are looking forward to spending time engaging in the outdoor activities they’ve missed during colder months. With increased temperatures, however, comes increased risk. While you’re making plans for the summer months, it’s important to keep heat and sun safety in mind.Summer temperatures and weather conditions can vary greatly based on where you live. Your reactions to changes in season can also vary depending on the work you do and your preferred hobbies. Making a quick assessment of your physical, mental and emotional fitness before engaging in any activity will help you better judge the effects sun and heat will have on you during the activity in question. If you need time to acclimate to the changing conditions, take some simple steps like slowly increasing your exposure to the climate or changing your plans to avoid the hottest part of the day.Bearing that in mind, let’s explore some common heat-related injuries you might experience during summer months.HEAT CRAMPS
These occur after several hours of physical exertion in the heat.Signs/Symptoms:• Painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs, arms or abdomenTreatment:• Get out of the heat and into the shade.• Hydrate with water or a sports drink.• Stretch or massage the affected muscle.Prevention:• Acclimate to the environment as gradually as you can manage so your body adapts to the heat.• Hydrate with water or sports drinks before and during exercise.• Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day.• Wear light, loose clothing and use sunscreen.HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion is caused by loss of water and salt through excessive sweat.Signs/Symptoms:• Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and cool, clammy skin Treatment:• Stop and rest.• Hydrate and get into a cool room or shade.• Loosen clothing and apply cool wet towels or pour cool water over the head, behind the neck, and on armpits and the groin area.Prevention:• See heat-cramp prevention.• Get adequate salt intake during meals to replenish sodium loss during profuse sweating.HEAT STROKE
This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s cooling system stops working and its core temperature rises to a dangerous level. If ignored, heat stroke can lead to death.Signs/Symptoms:• Red, hot and dry skin• Rapid but weak pulse• Rapid but shallow breathing• Confusion, faintness, staggering, hallucinations• Unusual agitation or comaTreatment:• Get the victim out of the sun.• Remove unnecessary clothing.• Reduce body temperature by applying water, cool air, wet sheets or ice on the neck, the groin and armpits.• Seek medical attention immediately. THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.Prevention:• Follow steps for preventing heat cramps and heat exhaustion.(DON’T) STAY THIRSTY, MY FRIENDS
I can’t emphasize hydration enough during the fall, winter and spring, let alone when the weather gets hot. All of the injuries I’ve mentioned here are preventable. And never forget: Even those who work office jobs need to drink adequate water. Follow this water-intake recommendation based on your level of activity (adjust accordingly based on the climate of your location):• Low to no physical activity — 4 to 6 quarts of water daily• Low to moderate physical activity — 6 to 8 quarts of water daily• Moderate to high physical activity — 8 to 10 quarts of water dailyEveryone is different, and physical limitations and even medications can factor into whether someone becomes a heat casualty. But whoever you are, you can still enjoy your summer and all of the activities it offers. Just make sure to do so responsibly and everything should work out fine.
