Make Ready
Team Tactics for Disabled Situations
Environmental mapping is one of my first steps when traveling outside my home. What does my current environment tell me about my escape routes, dangers I need to avoid and risks I can mitigate to avoid a situation altogether? What is the safest way out of the building or area? Your mapping plan will change according to your ability and the abilities of those with you. Many are less nimble than they used to be, and some of us have injuries that limit movement and speed.
Tools & Equipment
I carry a firearm wherever possible. In non-permissible areas, my secondary tools are a blade, impact weapon, flexible weapons and a medical/stop-the-bleed kit.
You must understand how to use the tools, be comfortable with them, and apply them under pressure, all while assisting the injured or dealing with your injury. Can you present your tools from unconventional positions, off-hand, one-handed, moving with others attached to you? Have you been trained in any executive protection programs? Your family is the most important executive you will ever protect! Consider a class with Steve Tarani (POTUS 45 pre-election detail) or the Gunsite Tactical Concealed Carry course.
Limitations
What are my limitations with my injury, my injured partner, or my loved one? Can we move swiftly and, most of all, safely? Suppose I attempt to move faster than my slowest or am injured, and we fall or further our injury. In that case, it will put us into an even worse situation. Can you take an honest evaluation of your limitations? That will provide you with critical information. It allows you to map your environment with the escape routes, cover, concealment and other options available to the condition of your limitations.
What about limitations on carrying weapons? Can I use my dominant hand, or is it out of commission? Do I have to carry off-hand, which usually increases time for presentations, reloads and malfunctions, especially for those who do not train for alternate carry position and off-hand carry? These manipulations become a problem for most of us because they are not performed with the unconscientious skill level of our dominant hand. We must “think” about it, which takes our bandwidth away from problem-solving to the tool, and while you are dealing with your tool, the situation evolves.
So, when developing your training program, include those things you suck at because that might just be the only way you can carry or have your “tool” available.
Movement
Movement while injured could be slow and difficult, especially if a cast, crutches, a wheelchair, a walker, or other lower body limitations limit you or your partner. I agree with the phrase “mobility is survivability,” and if I can move, even slowly, that is my “A” option. Limited by an immobile arm is less restrictive in this area; however, it fits the topic of limitation on your tools!
Have you discussed movement with your loved ones and partner where you can give verbal directions and trust they will be where you need them when moving? Or do you need to have one hand on them to ensure they move when I want them to move? Can we utilize our preferred exit, or is it blocked off for the use of a wheelchair, walker, or other items that assist me and my injury/handicap? Proper utilization of mapping your environment will assist you in this area.
Secure in Place
If I cannot move or exit the area, sheltering in place is my last option if I am outside my residence because I am in an unfamiliar area accessible by anyone, friendly or threatening. I may not know who is who. Can I get to an area I can secure with a door and walls, or do I only have tables and the corner of the room? Suppose the person I am with is the one limiting our movement. Can I utilize them to secure a specific “area of responsibility” because they have a firearm or other tool? Or are they limited to doing nothing, and you are responsible for all areas? Moving to an area where our backs are to a safe area (concrete wall, tree, hill, etc.) where I can see any threat coming in my view. Can I use tables or foliage for concealment?
Place yourself in the best ambush position possible. Having the secure area barricaded with furniture, locks, etc., will give you time to act.
Summary
The main takeaway is to understand that environment and the situation will dictate your response. Proper environmental mapping and training will ensure you have a basic outline to apply to your specific event and adjust according to your situation. Lastly, I want to evaluate myself or those with my limitations honestly so we can plan accordingly.
Gunsite Academy is the world’s oldest and largest firearms training facility. Originally known as the American Pistol Institute, Gunsite Academy offers firearms training to elite military personnel, law enforcement officers and free citizens of the U.S. For more info: GunSite.com
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