Category: Opinion

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Traumatic Injuries In An Emergency – How To Prepare

How To Prepare For Traumatic Injuries In An Emergency

Preparing for traumatic injuries in an emergency involves understanding how to manage severe injuries effectively until professional medical help arrives.
Here’s a guide to help you prepare and respond to traumatic injuries:

Personal Safety

  • Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Assess the scene for potential hazards before assisting.

Training and Education

  • First Aid Certification: Take a certified First Aid and CPR course to learn how to handle traumatic injuries, perform life-saving techniques, and use medical equipment properly.
  • Stop The Bleed: Take a course from a certified instructor and learn how to control life-threatening bleeding. Blood loss is the number one cause of preventable death after injury.
  • Emergency Medical Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with basic medical knowledge related to trauma, such as how to recognize signs of shock, bleeding control, and wound management.

Emergency Kit Preparation

  • First Aid Kit: Assemble a comprehensive first aid kit with items specifically designed for treating traumatic injuries. Essential items include:
  • Adhesive bandages: Various sizes for minor cuts and abrasions.
  • Sterile gauze pads and rolls: For covering wounds and controlling bleeding.
  • Hemostatic Gauze: Dressings proven to clot blood and prevent blood loss quickly.
  • Pressure Dressings: For covering wounds requiring pressure to control the bleeding.
  • Adhesive tape: To secure gauze and bandages.
  • Antiseptic wipes or solution: For cleaning wounds.
  • Elastic bandages: For sprains or to apply pressure to wounds.
  • Trauma shears: To cut clothing and bandages.
  • Tourniquet: For severe bleeding when direct pressure isn’t effective.
  • Chest Seals: For penetration wounds in the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
  • Splints: To immobilize suspected fractures or sprains.
  • Burn dressings: For treating burns.
  • CPR face shield or mask: For performing CPR safely.
  • Medical gloves: For hygiene and protection. Consider using drug-resistant gloves.

Plan and Prepare

  • Develop a Plan: Create an emergency plan that includes responding to traumatic injuries. Share this plan with family members, coworkers, or anyone who may be involved in emergencies.
  • Designate a Safe Area: Identify a safe and accessible location to treat injuries, especially if you have to move people to safety first.

Recognize and Respond to Common Traumatic Injuries

  • Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to control bleeding. Use sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If bleeding on a limb is severe and doesn’t stop, use a tourniquet above the injury.
  • Fractures and Dislocations: Immobilize the injured area with a splint, never try to straighten the break. Avoid moving the person unless necessary to avoid further injury. Seek professional medical help as soon as possible.
  • Burns: Cool burns with running water for at least 10 minutes. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing and avoid using ice or ointments. Seek medical attention for severe burns.
  • Shock: Keep the person warm and comfortable. Lay them flat and elevate their legs if possible. Monitor their breathing and pulse. Avoid giving them food or drink.
  • Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries: Minimize movement of the head, neck, and spine. Keep the person still and provide support until professional help arrives. Move the injured person only when absolutely necessary.

Communication

  • Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services and medical facilities, in your emergency kit and accessible locations.
  • Information Sharing: Communicate clearly with emergency responders about the nature of the injuries, the number of injured persons, and any other relevant information.

Mental and Emotional Preparedness

  • Stress Management: Prepare yourself mentally for high-stress situations. Understanding that traumatic injuries can be overwhelming can help you stay focused and effective.
  • Stay Calm: You must remain calm to be an effective rescuer.
  • Emotional Support: Be prepared to provide emotional support to injured individuals and bystanders. Traumatic injuries can cause significant psychological stress.

Regular Review and Practice

  • Practice Drills: Regularly practice emergency response drills, including dealing with traumatic injuries, to ensure readiness.
  • Update Supplies: Regularly check and update your first aid kit to ensure it contains up-to-date supplies and replace any expired items.
  • Stay Informed: Be aware of any legal considerations regarding first aid and medical response in your area. Knowing your responsibilities and limitations can help you respond appropriately. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that will protect you when you are acting in “Good Faith”

By preparing adequately, understanding how to manage traumatic injuries, and having the necessary tools and knowledge, you can effectively respond to emergencies and provide critical care until professional help arrives.

Stay Vigilant and Be prepared

In addition, take these steps to ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive for safety and preparedness.

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Develop a successful communication plan for unexpected emergency

Develop a successful communication plan for unexpected emergency

During an emergency, conventional communication methods may become compromised due to power outages, network failures, or high volume. It’s important to have alternative communication methods ready to ensure that information can still be conveyed effectively. Here are several alternate methods of communication during an emergency:

Two-Way Radios

  • Advantages: Reliable for communication over short to medium distances, especially in areas with poor cellular coverage. They don’t rely on cellular networks or internet connectivity.
  • Usage: Ideal for coordination among emergency response teams, community groups, and in situations where immediate, reliable communication is needed.

Satellite Phones

  • Advantages: Operate independently of local cellular networks, making them useful in remote areas or where infrastructure is damaged.
  • Usage: Useful for contacting emergency services or coordinating with external support organizations when other communication networks are down.

Emergency Broadcast Radios

  • Advantages: Can receive broadcasts even during power outages if battery-operated. Useful for receiving official updates and information from emergency services.
  • Usage: Ideal for staying informed about weather conditions, alerts, and other important updates.

Whistle Signals

  • Advantages: Simple, requires no technology, and can be heard over long distances in quiet environments.
  • Usage: Effective for signaling distress or coordinating in small groups, especially in outdoor or remote areas.

Visual Signals

  • Advantages: Includes methods like flares, signal mirrors, or flags. Great for signaling over distances or in situations where verbal communication is impractical.
  • Usage: Can be used for signaling distress or coordinating with others in a visible range.

Community Bulletin Boards

  • Advantages: Provides a physical place for posting updates and instructions. Useful in areas where people gather.
  • Usage: Effective for disseminating information in local communities or neighborhoods.

Emergency Alert Systems (Local)

  • Advantages: Use sirens or automated messages to alert the public of emergencies.
  • Usage: Often used for immediate, widespread communication of emergencies such as natural disasters or chemical spills.

Pre-Arranged Meeting Points

  • Advantages: Ensures that people have a designated place to go for information and coordination.
  • Usage: Effective for families or groups to reunite and receive updates during and after an emergency.

Signal Lights

  • Advantages: Includes methods like flashlight signals or beacon lights. Useful for visual communication over distances at night.
  • Usage: Effective for coordinating with others in low visibility conditions.

Social Media (if operational)

  • Advantages: Provides real-time updates and allows for sharing information widely. Can also be used to coordinate with others if internet access is available.
  • Usage: Useful for disseminating information and receiving updates from others, provided the platforms are functioning.

Community Networks and Local Radio Stations

  • Advantages: Offer localized communication and information, especially if they have backup power systems.
  • Usage: Effective for receiving specific updates related to local conditions or instructions.

Manual Messaging

  • Advantages: Handwritten notes or messages passed manually can be useful in localized settings.
  • Usage: Effective in small, contained areas or for communicating directly with individuals when electronic methods fail.

Emergency Kits with Communication Tools

  • Advantages: Pre-packaged kits can include radios, batteries, and other essential tools.
  • Usage: Ensures that individuals and families have communication tools during emergencies.

Having a variety of communication methods ensures that you can maintain contact and relay critical information even when primary systems fail. It is important to practice using these alternate methods as part of your emergency preparedness plan.

Stay Vigilant and Be prepared

In addition, take these steps to ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive for safety and preparedness.

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Hygiene During Survival – Will You Be A Victim?

Hygiene during an Emergency

The risk of getting sick and potentially dying during an emergency largely depends on the type of emergency and how well you manage hygiene and health precautions. Here’s a breakdown:

Types of Emergencies and Their Risks:

Natural Disasters (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes):

  • Sanitation Risks: Flooding can contaminate drinking water and increase the risk of waterborne diseases. Disruption of waste management can lead to unsanitary conditions.
  • Health Risks: Poor hygiene can lead to gastrointestinal infections, skin infections, and respiratory issues.
  • Mitigation: Purify water, use proper waste disposal methods, and maintain cleanliness to reduce the risk of disease.

Hygiene during Pandemics or Infectious Disease Outbreaks:

  • Sanitation Risks: High, risk of spreading infections if good practices are not followed, such as frequent handwashing and proper sanitation.
  • Health Risks: Increased chance of contracting and spreading the disease, which can lead to severe health complications or death.
  • Mitigation: Follow recommended hygiene practices like handwashing, using sanitizers, and wearing masks if advised.

Hygiene During Power Outages:

  • Sanitation Risks: Loss of refrigeration can lead to food spoilage, and if there’s no running water, maintaining cleanliness will become very difficult.
  • Health Risks: Foodborne illnesses from spoiled food and dehydration or contamination from inadequate sanitation.
  • Mitigation: Use alternative methods to keep food cold, purify water, and use hand sanitizers.

Extended Isolation (e.g., in a remote area):

  • Hygiene Risks: Limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
  • Health Risks: Increased risk of infections and other health issues due to poor hygiene.
  • Mitigation: Use water purification methods, store and manage waste properly, and use any available sanitation products efficiently.

How to Minimize Risks:

Preparation:

  • Keep an emergency kit with hygiene supplies (e.g., soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectants).
  • Have a plan for water purification and waste disposal.

Practice Good Hygiene:

  • Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  • Keep living areas clean and disinfected.

Monitor Health and Hygiene:

  • Watch for signs of illness and seek medical attention if needed.
  • Manage any injuries promptly with a first aid kit.

Stay Informed:

  • Follow local health and safety guidelines specific to the emergency you’re facing.

In summary, while poor hygiene during an emergency increases the risk of illness and complications, following proper hygiene practices and being prepared can significantly reduce these risks and help you stay healthy.

Stay Vigilant and Be prepared

In addition, take these steps to ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive for safety and preparedness.

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Community And Preparedness – Survival When You Are Alone?

Community and preparedness

Community and preparedness go hand in hand when handling emergencies and disasters. While individual preparedness is crucial, the strength of a community can greatly enhance resilience and response efforts. Here’s how you can integrate community support into your preparedness plan:

Know Your Resources

  • Local Services: Familiarize yourself with local emergency services, shelters, and food banks. Know their locations and how to contact them.
  • Community Centers: Many community centers offer resources and support during emergencies. Find out what services they provide.

Develop a Plan

  • Local Organizations: Connect with local organizations such as neighborhood watch groups, community associations, and emergency response teams. They often have plans in place for disaster response.
  • Communication Network: Establish a communication network with neighbors and local groups. This can help you share information quickly and coordinate efforts during an emergency.

Participate in Community Preparedness Activities

  • Training: Take part in community emergency response training programs. Many communities offer courses in first aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness.
  • Drills: Participate in neighborhood drills and exercises. These help you become familiar with emergency procedures and improve your readiness.

Create a Neighborhood Plan

  • Group Meetings: Organize meetings with your neighbors to discuss preparedness strategies, share resources, and develop a mutual aid plan.
  • Emergency Contacts: Exchange contact information with neighbors and establish a system for checking on each other during emergencies.

Share Resources and Skills

  • Resource Pooling: Share resources such as tools, supplies, and skills within your community. This can help everyone be better prepared and support each other.
  • Skill Sharing: If you have specialized skills, such as medical training or technical expertise, offer to help others in your community.

Support Vulnerable Community Members

  • Identify Needs: Identify individuals who may need extra help, such as older persons, disabled, or those with limited mobility.
  • Provide Assistance: Offer to assist with tasks like grocery shopping, medication pick-up, or transportation to emergency services.

Emergency Communication

  • Alert Systems: Sign up for local emergency alert systems to receive timely information about disasters and emergencies.
  • Social Media: Use social media to stay informed about community updates and to share information during emergencies.

Foster Resilience

  • Build Relationships: Strengthen community ties by engaging in local events, volunteering, and participating in community-building activities.
  • Promote Preparedness: Advocate for preparedness within your community by sharing information and encouraging others to develop their emergency plans.

Post-Disaster Support

  • Recovery Efforts: After a disaster, participate in recovery efforts and support local initiatives to rebuild and recover.
  • Debrief: Engage in post-disaster debriefing sessions to discuss what worked, and what didn’t, and how to improve future preparedness and response efforts.

By actively engaging with your community and building a support network, you enhance your preparedness and contribute to your overall resilience and well-being.

Stay Vigilant and Be prepared

In addition, take these steps to ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive for safety and preparedness.

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Emergency Preparedness, The Rule of Threes

Emergency - The Rule of Threes

In an emergency, you will not last more than …

  • Three seconds without staying calm
  • Three minutes without breathing
  • Three hours without taking shelter
  • Three days without water
  • Three weeks without eating
  • Three months without community

Numbers are not concrete because they depend on the situation, environment, and person, but the rule of three gives us a solid base

In an Emergency -Stay Calm, Apply First Aid, Find shelter, Find water, Find food, Build community

  1. Stay Calm: Your initial response in an emergency should be to stay calm and think clearly. This will help you make rational decisions and manage the situation effectively.
    Stop, Look, Listen, Smell, and Breathe
  2. Apply First Aid: Tend to any injuries and provide first aid to yourself and others if needed. This might include treating wounds, administering CPR, or stabilizing injuries.
    https://www.nwsurvival.us/2024/05/15/cpr-aed-and-first-aid-training/
  3. Find Shelter: Secure a safe place to protect yourself and others from environmental hazards. Shelter is crucial during an emergency for maintaining safety and comfort. https://www.nwsurvival.us/2018/06/26/tarp-shelters-learn-them-love-them/
  4. Find Water: Locate a source of clean drinking water. Staying hydrated is essential for survival and overall health. https://www.nwsurvival.us/2018/05/31/water-is-life/
  5. Find Food: Source food to maintain energy and nutrition. This can involve foraging, hunting, or rationing existing supplies.
  6. Build Community: Strengthen your group’s cohesion and collaborate with others. This can include:
    • Assessing Skills: Identify and utilize the skills of each member for tasks such as first aid, navigation, and cooking.
    • Assigning Roles: Delegate tasks to ensure everyone contributes and meets all needs efficiently.
    • Sharing Resources: Pool resources and share information to maximize survival chances during an emergency.
    • Supporting Each Other: Provide emotional support and encouragement to boost morale and maintain a positive group dynamic.
    • Creating Plans: Work together to develop plans for long-term survival, including safety strategies and ways to signal for help.

Building a strong community in an emergency can improve resilience and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Stay Vigilant and Be prepared

In addition, take these steps to ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive for safety and preparedness.

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Autumn is here it’s time to update your kits, winter is coming!

The most important tool you have, is your mind, use it. I love spending time in the Central Oregon high desert during the transition from summer to fall. One thing that hits home in the NW when you are east of the Cascades is the extreme temperature variance that occurs each day. It can swing as much as 40 degrees on any given day. Granted the desert is typically the land of extremes, but it started me thinking.

Update your kits

We should all have a schedule, albeit flexible, that we live by when it comes to our kits. Just like our smoke detector batteries, we need to update our kits for the season ahead. In the high desert during this time of year, a night out without the proper outerwear or shelter will be extremely miserable if not worse.

Not just when, but where

It is important for us to not only consider where we are but what season is coming.

West of the Cascades it is generally a swing between moderate temperatures and miserably wet. If you are not prepared to protect yourself from the wet you could suffer from hypothermia in weather as warm as 60 degrees. We need to carry rain gear and synthetic or non-cotton clothing, I would say all year in the NW.

East of the Cascades it is critical to be prepared to handle extreme cold, low humidity, snow, and ice. When the temperature quite often drops into the 20’s at night we also need to consider carrying an emergency shelter for the event that we need to spend a night out. Without it, we may not survive.

Choose wisely

There is an adage, “Cotton kills”, that we live by in the outdoors. It comes from the fact that when cotton gets wet, be it from sweat, rain, melting snow, or falling in the river, it will quickly deplete our ability to maintain our body temperature. Cotton holds on to water and when against our skin our bodies spend a lot of energy trying to warm it up. Often leading to hypothermia in the wild. Although you will almost certainly find a cotton t-shirt in my pack, nothing is as cozy to sleep in, it will not be my primary clothing.

Natural fiber substitutes for synthetic

I am a big fan of natural fiber clothing and will always choose it over synthetic, call me old school if you like. Two of my favorite natural fibers for the outdoors are wool and silk. Most people are familiar with the value of wool. We see it in the movies. Pre-1990 veterans are all too familiar with wool and how well it works in all climates. It is a natural wicking fiber and hydrophilic, which keeps the moisture off of you.

Silk, on the other hand, is not as well known for its value in the wild. I have been using silk in the wild for at least 30 years. It is light, durable, warm, and fire-resistant. Not to mention how wonderful it feels against your skin. Silk is also a great wicking fiber. But for me, perhaps odd to you, its most valuable quality is its fire resistance. One thing I spend a lot of time doing in the wild when it is cold is messing with fire. Whether it is for cooking, warmth or entertainment. I have found that a good pair of silk glove liners, very thin gloves meant to be worn inside a pair of gloves, are indispensable. They offer great tactility and dexterity, but most importantly they don’t melt.

Always remember your feet

I cannot stress this enough, if you don’t take care of your feet, they will not take care of you. I have a proclivity for the wilderness, but the truth of the matter is that most of us will find ourselves in an urban or suburban area when we need our kits to survive. In the wilderness, the rule is to stay put and wait for help. In an urban or suburban environment being able to walk 2 miles could mean the difference between a hot meal and a miserable night.

We don’t always dress for survival it is quite rare that we do. So we need to have good sturdy footwear in our kits. Even if we stay put and wait, a cold night with boots will be a lot better than with your flip-flops.

Forethought is your friend

The most important tool you have, is your mind, use it. If we devote just a small amount of time at the turn of each season to look ahead and update our kits appropriately, it will make a world of difference should we need to use them. Remember, we don’t plan on having a house fire, but we still have fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. If you don’t have an emergency kit in your house and car, now is a good time to fix that. There is nothing more important than our families, let’s take care of them.

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared
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Veterans Day

Today is not a day to celebrate those that died for their country.

It is a day to celebrate all of those that stood up and said, I will defend the Constitution of the United States of America and the principles that it stands for against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. I will do this at whatever cost it levies, up to and including my life.
 
They do not serve or fight for politicians, they serve and fight for us, the citizens of this country, after all, they are us. They serve and fight for those that stand next to them and those that stand behind them. This is the heart of the veteran.
 
They represent a very small group, only about 5% of our population 1 in 20, yet they are the defenders of liberty and freedom. They stand to and say, you shall not pass!
 
My uncle once said to me 

I do not wear this uniform and serve my country because I love war, I do so with the greatest of hopes and convictions that the generations to follow me will not have to. So that they may inherit a world where peace and love rule.

 
He finally retired when he returned from Iraq, after serving 27 years.
Some veterans never saw the violence of war and never will, yet they made the same commitment and steeled themselves against the possibility.


These are the men and women we honor today!

As Always,

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

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National Preparedness Month

Well, here we are well into the third week of National Preparedness Month. What have you done to make yourself and family more prepared? Nothing, why not? Who is going to get you prepared? Do you think you will just magically be able to deal with whatever crises are presented to you? Do you believe the government will save you?

A disaster is defined as an incident where the needs of those affected exceed the available resources!

Read that again! There is a common phrase used by people that live outside of the urban/suburban areas where response times by emergency services is easily in excess of 30, usually 60 minutes. It is YOYO, (You’re On Your Own), this is how it will be should a disaster strike. The resources provided by the Federal, State and Local governments will be stretched beyond their capacity. It is a simple truth, by definition.

It is advisable and important for each of us as responsible citizens to do our best to have at least the basic supplies needed to endure through a crisis or disaster. We not only owe it to ourselves and family but our community as well. By getting ourselves prepared we make ourselves an asset to all those around us. It is similar to the safety briefing on a plane. When the oxygen masks come down, put yours on first, only then are you prepared to assist others.

Do you want to be an asset or a liability?

Now, I don’t want you to feel like you need to be an over the top prepper unless you want to be. All I am asking is that you take a few minutes and dollars and put together a few things for just in case.

Grab-n-Go Bag

Here is a good start on a Grab and Go bag. It takes very little time or resources to put one together. You can get the backpacks at a resale shop, the clothes you already have. You can use last years clothing if it is out of style you won’t care when you are warm and dry. Put that pair of shoes you just replaced because they were just too dirty in a plastic bag and stow them in your vehicle. There is literally very little excuse not to at least put something together, something is better than nothing. Remember to include feel good items, like toilet paper, fresh underwear, a clean shirt, and clean socks. Make a bag for each member of your family. If you have children have them help!

Most important of all, just start doing something!

Every journey starts with the first step, without it we will never go anywhere. So stop putting it off. Get up off your couch, go to the thrift store. Take your list with you to the dollar store. Just start moving towards being an asset to yourself, your family, and your community.

We offer classes on most subjects related to urban safety and survival.

CERT.jpgIf you are interested in contributing to the welfare of your fellow citizens during a disaster, consider joining your local CERT organization. They will provide you with training for free, all you have to do is show up!

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

 

 

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August Heat

It’s been hot here in Portland and there has been an uptick in aggression and erratic behavior in people. It seems like everyone I talk to feels like life is throwing them a lot of unexpected challenges of all kinds. I myself have encountered a lot of erratic and aggressive drivers. I’m bringing this up because it got me thinking about self-regulation in stressful situations, like a natural disaster, a mass shooting, or economic collapse. When we experience stress our body releases the stress hormone cortisol, and the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This can evoke the fight, flight, or freeze response. This can be useful if you can regulate it. That is because you will start losing some of your brain’s function and that won’t do anyone good. I’m going to list below a few techniques I like to use to manage my nervous system and at the end, I will describe a possible real-world emergency and how you can incorporate these techniques. 

First, breathe. And I’m not talking about those shallow chest breaths most of us do when we aren’t being aware of our breathing. I’m talking about slow and deep belly breaths. You know you are doing it right if you are keeping your shoulders relaxed and you can watch your belly expand and contract with each breath. This breath uses your diaphragm, the muscle between your lungs and your intestines, to pull air into the lower part of your lungs. This fills your lungs more completely and is much more effective at calming your nervous system. I find it helpful to visualize it, so here’s a picture. By focusing on your breath, you are bringing yourself back into your body and lessening the negative effects of a stress response.

breathe-fully

Second, take a break. If it is possible, step away for a moment and collect yourself and take a few breaths. If you are stressed, it is very easy to get fixated on the situation at hand and often it can do more harm than good. If you are becoming overwhelmed, do yourself and everyone else a favor and step back, even if it’s for 5 minutes. This action alone can significantly improve your problem-solving abilities.

Third, tune into your five senses. Tune in to each of your senses, one at a time, and identify 3-5 things that you are experiencing. This can be done at any point. Tune in and start with whatever sense you’d like. For example, say I have PTSD and I am triggered by something in my environment. I know there is no threat but now my body is pumping cortisol into my bloodstream, my thoughts are becoming scattered, and my hands start to shake. I’m able to recognize what is happening and I start with the first thing in the environment I notice. Mmmm, I smell cookies… the wood stove, and pine. I hear the piano, laughter, and crackling wood. I could taste the cookies, the wine, or the roast. I can feel the hardwood floor, the heat from the fire, and the soft blanket. I can see my favorite ornament, presents, and the cat curled up under the tree. This quick exercise quickly reduces your fight, flight, or freeze response and calms your nervous system. If it doesn’t work right away, keep trying, remember to breathe, or change your environment.

images

There are many ways that you can calm yourself down. These are just a few of them that are effective with my clients, and community. Next, I am going to walk through a possible scenario.

Let’s say I hear a gunshot come from my neighbors’ house. My nervous system is now on high alert. Instead of panicking, the first thing I’m going to do is take a few deep breaths as I assess the scene. I can safely observe with my eyes 3 things: their kitchen light is on, the front door is wide open, and their children ran across the street to the neighbors. Next, I don’t hear anything coming from the house, I hear the children crying, and I hear the neighbor say that they are calling 911. Then I remind myself, breathe. Next, I smell gasoline, the lavender bush I’m standing next to, and smoke. Breathe. Taste doesn’t apply to this situation. So next, touch. I can feel the sweat on my brow, my shaking hands, and my 9mm. Breathe. Before I act, I make sure I am grounded and regulated. Breathe. Now that I’m managing and aware of my nervous system I can continue with the next steps, all while continuing to regulate my nervous system and assess the scene. Breathe. In this moment I have been able to regulate without taking a break so I continue. However, after the event when there is no immediate danger and everyone is safe, one of the police officers asks me to debrief. At this moment, I realize I’m having a difficult time forming words because my nervous system is still on high alert. So, before I try to dive in, I take a break. I ask for some water, I step back, and I focus on my breathing. Then, when I am calm and feel that I can communicate more clearly, I approach the officer.

images (1)

Using these techniques means the difference between being helpful or harmful. Breathing helps you physically regulate your nervous system, by focusing on what you sense in your environment, you are interrupting your erratic thoughts, and by taking a break you are creating an environment in which you can do those things. We can not control our bodies automatic responses but we can attempt to manage them, allowing us to make safer, and more effective decisions. So, instead of laying on your horn because someone didn’t see your blinker and let you into their lane, take a deep breath, assess the situation, and try again. 😉

Sam

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Happy Independence Day

Good Morning Citizens

I beg of you one thing on this Independence Day. Please take a few minutes to consider this.

It was on this day, or close to it, 243 years ago that the wealthiest and most educated men of the colonies, if not the world, pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to embark on the most audacious of endeavors.

They made a conscious and calculated decision to rise and stand against the most powerful government and military in the world. They did this at the greatest of personal peril and some paid the ultimate price for this decision. Most paid with their fortunes as well, but none paid with their honor.
The reasons for this seemingly sacrificial act are diligently listed in The Declaration of Independence. If you haven’t read it recently or at all, today is a great day to do so. http://www.ushistory.org/Declaration/document/

We live in the country generated by this audacious act of treason against the empire. But, it is not the country they dreamed of. It has been perverted and distorted by greed and avarice. Our Federal government is bloated and unconstitutional. You may find that it is now the very same tyrannical, over-reaching, self-serving empire these men deemed a sufficient catalyst to risk everything and start anew.

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

Thomas Paine, December 1776

Happy Independence Day!

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared


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