10 Important Things You Should Do in Case of a Knife Attack
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When facing a deadly attacker, there is no one way to handle the situation. However, these tips from experts can help you stay alive in a dangerous situation.
1. Keep your mind clear and alert
Most people who are attacked with knives are caught off guard. Even if you know the best ways to defend yourself, they won't help if you're not paying attention. Watch out, especially around people who are acting in strange ways, like being very irritable or nervous. If someone comes up to you with one hand behind their back or in a bag, they could be hiding a gun.
2. Don't try to directly defend yourself against a knife.
Never forget how dangerous a knife can be. It's possible for bladed weapons to cause just as bad of injuries, if not worse, than guns. It is very dangerous to try to protect yourself directly against a knife attack.
3. Give up valuables if you feel threatened
If someone pulls a knife on you, it's safer to give them your money, phone, or other belongings. As soon as the attacker is gone, call the cops right away. Nothing you own is worth putting your life at risk for. A knife attack has too high of a risk of hurting or killing someone to be worth the trouble.
4. Pay attention to de-escalation
Sometimes, you can calm down an attacker by acting helpful and using psychology methods to make things less dangerous. This is a much better way to deal with the attacker than trying to physically take their weapon away. Remember the ways to calm down that you may have learned in self-defense lessons.
5. Put escape first
If you think someone is going to attack you with a knife, the best thing you can do is get away from them. If you can, run away, stay in your locked car, or put something between you and the threat, like a table. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, listen to your gut and avoid a possible conflict.
6. Make weapons out of everyday things
You can use everyday things as makeshift weapons to protect yourself if you can't get away and have no other choice. You can protect yourself with things like a phone, a cover, or even a pen. But you need to get the right training and instructions to use homemade guns successfully.
7. Don't act like a hero
If you see someone being attacked with a knife, you might want to help, but if you don't have the right skills, you could put yourself in great danger. If you aren't very experienced with dealing with these kinds of cases, it's better to stay away and call the cops. If you try to get involved directly, you could get hurt badly.
8. Give first aid if it's needed
If you find someone who has been hurt by a knife attack, you should give them first aid right away and call 911. Get help from a professional as soon as possible if you don't know what to do. The person has a better chance of living if they get medical help right away.
9. Keep sharp objects out of the workplace
Attacks with knives are happening more often in places of work like hospitals and government offices, where angry people might grab scissors or a letter opener. Always keep the surroundings in mind and make sure that sharp items are out of reach. Don't be afraid to leave a dangerous situation and call the cops.
10. Don't run from fear; have confidence
In dangerous scenarios, having more self-confidence can help you handle things better. When there is a threat, you are more likely to stay calm and strong if you are sure of yourself.
There are many groups, like the EWTO, that give self-defense classes and lessons for people who want to learn more about the subject. For women and people who want to improve their confidence and safety skills, these can be very helpful.