Professional Self-Protection Training for Emergency Medical Services
Keeping EMS Professionals Safe from Aggressive/Non-Aggressive Physical Interference during Operational Duties
A non-martial arts system of instilling a natural and instinctive physical ability to disengage and/or control dangerous situations
Should EMS professionals receive self-protection training?
EMS Professionals of today perform an increasingly dangerous job of saving lives and dealing with an ever increasing number of citizens who have an intimate understanding of aggression and physical competition from watching MMA on television, such as the U.F.C., real-life scenarios of violence are seen through the news and social media outlets. It is more common than not for EMS to come into contact with aggressive citizens attempting to interfere with their operational duties.
EMS Professionals more often than not, arrive on location before there is a law enforcement presence. As such, the possibility of having to contend with highly stressed, highly agitated and sometimes, highly aggressive and combat trained citizens is on the increase. Not to mention stumbling upon some form of dangerous illegal activity.
When engaging the public, EMS Professionals are instructed to maintain a zero physical contact policy. However, what happens when the EMS professional has no defined clear escape route? When they are physically assaulted and have no option but to engage? When they may need to subdue a citizen overcome with stress and panic to be able to perform their duties without putting themselves at risk? When they may need to come to the aid of a fellow team member who may be being assaulted or unable to perform their life saving duties or continue to give life-saving aid as a result of a person under duress? These are powers afforded them under the Criminal Code of Canada.
EMS Services operate within unique environments, from confined spaces to physically restrictive environments.
EMS Professionals are entering into private residences and public sites where they are negotiating stairwells, elevators, narrow hallways and have to ride to the hospital in the back of a truck with an unknown and likely stressed patient. With this type of space restriction, even a highly trained medic with years of martial arts experience will not have the physical room to engage in typical martial arts or self-defense: punching, kicking, blocking and/or joint manipulation techniques.
Prevention of Injury and Legal Liability
Basic self-protection training can ensure their physical safety, the safety of their team members, as well as the safety of the aggressor/patient. It is a natural, physiological response to use excessive force to ensure your personal safety. Such a response may put the EMS professional or the service at risk of legal liability. Tactical training can help in ensuring the safety of all involved and minimize public and legal liabilities.
Bill C-45: The Westray Bill and Bill 168
In July of 2003, Bill C-45 was put forth as an act to amend the Criminal Code of Canada as it pertains to the Criminal Liability of Organizations. The act saw changes to legislation putting greater onus on the part of those with responsibility for directing the work of others, requiring such individuals to take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm arising from related work. Employers directing staff to work in environments, which pose a real physical threat to the employee, now face much greater consequences should they fail to provide appropriate training to address such concerns.
Bill 168 has legislation regarding responsibilities for employers to ensure added safety and training for staff against intimidation, bullying and physical aggression in the workplace.
What is the answer?
The U.R.C. Tactical “I.R.I.S. System” approach to self-protection is a Use of Force based “tactile” system which uses no punching or striking, but techniques which trigger deeply embedded “Nervous System Responses”. We achieve this through manipulation of sensory input systems in the subject. This will have the effect of making them immediately cease their actions or back down into a friendlier or less aggressive posture, opening the possibility for tactical disengagement.
By using deeply embedded “Natural and Instinctive” actions the system can be taught and retained in a short period of time, be flexible in its application and be used immediately under stress without hesitation.
What will be taught:
• Self-Protection and Use of Force Canadian Law
• How martial arts or combat systems are not the answer
• 360 Degree No-Vision disengagement
• 360 Degree ability to affect low-level defense or controls, upon passive or active resistant subjects
• Understanding “types” of violence and when to engage or disengage
• Use of Force friendly third party rescue procedures
• Threat recognition and passive stance awareness
• Effects of stress and adrenaline on the body and proper decision-making
Our unique methods of training and concepts have been proven to be effectively instilled and reproduced within 4 hours.
For additional information, contact OBN headquarters at 1-(416)-253-7416 or toll free 1-866-626-5900. info@obnsecurity.com