Safety protocols in the face of physical assault call for a rapid assessment of the danger and keeping a safe distance from the attacker. Discreetly activating alerts and using the environment for protection are top priorities. Communication should stay calm, without provocation, always aiming for evacuation toward a safe zone. Self-defence only comes in as a last resort.
Raise the alarm as fast as possible!
Using clear, unambiguous verbal alerts
- “Help!”
- “Security!”
- “Call the police!”
Or technical means
- Panic button
- Emergency phone (or dedicated app)
- PTI badge (lone-worker alarm)
- Sound alarm
Watch your safety distances
Flee if you can!
Critical zone: 0-1m Danger zone: 1-2m Alert zone: 2-3m Monitoring zone: 3m+ Evacuation zone: 5m+
Worth noting: close-combat techniques, whatever they’re called, let you regain an advantage within the 0-1m critical distance. The attacker generates less power while you become more “incisive.” Now you need to know how, and be able, to do it.
Stay operational (you’re no use to anyone unconscious)
- Keep a stable stance by widening your base and lowering your centre of gravity
- Protect your body and head first (to avoid being knocked out)
- Adopt a concealed guard (your hands are in front of you and you can see BOTH of them)
- Keep your arms in protection (elbows down), close to the body, to protect your floating ribs
- Stay mobile and flexible
Act as a team
- Don’t stay clustered together (a single target)
- Advance in an L-shape (to force the attacker to pick a target)
- Leave an escape route (you shouldn’t be blocking anyone)
- Check your emergency exits
Document the assault while it’s fresh
- Who (attacker(s), teammates)? When? Where? How? Why?
- Injuries sustained / inflicted?
- Weapons?
- What mistake(s) were made?