Even when you do everything right to protect yourself, you may still find yourself in trouble. High-stress situations can lead to inadvertent actions with unintended consequences. Knowing what to do after an incident is critical for your safety and legal well-being.
Step 1: Assess the Area
After an altercation, immediately check your surroundings:
Search for additional threats: Statistics show that 56% of the time, there is more than one attacker. Ensure you’re not overlooking another potential threat.
Break focus: Once the primary threat is neutralized, redirect your attention to search for alternate dangers.
Move to safety: Relocate to the safest possible area:
Look for cover (protection that can stop bullets or projectiles).
Use concealment (hiding spots that obscure you from view but may not stop projectiles).
Keep a safe distance from the threat while maintaining visual contact.
Step 2: Check for Injuries
In the heat of the moment, your body’s adrenaline and fight-or-flight response can mask pain. Perform a thorough self-check:
Do a physical pat-down to detect injuries.
Look for visible signs of blood.
Pay attention to subtle clues, such as a metallic taste in your mouth or the smell of blood, which may indicate hidden injuries.
Step 3: Prioritize Medical Attention
Treat your own injuries first; you cannot help others if you’re incapacitated.
If you’re able, assist loved ones next.
Finally, attend to bystanders if it is safe and practical to do so.
Step 4: Calm Yourself
Taking control of your breathing is essential to manage stress and think clearly:
Take deep, slow breaths to reduce adrenaline and regain focus.
Step 5: Call 911
When contacting emergency services:
Provide your exact location.
Give a generalized description of what occurred (e.g., “There was an attack, and I had to defend myself”).
Report any injuries (your own and others’).
Describe yourself so responders can identify you (e.g., clothing, physical characteristics).
Avoid unnecessary details and limit your statements. Remember, the 911 operator and responders are not there to be your advocate; their primary role is to document and investigate the incident.
Step 6: Cooperate Cautiously with Law Enforcement
When law enforcement arrives:
Point out attackers: Clearly identify the assailants.
Highlight evidence: Indicate weapons, shell casings, or other relevant items.
Identify witnesses and cameras: Direct officers to anyone who may have seen the incident or recorded it.
Be polite but assertive. A recommended statement is:
“I know you’re doing your job. I am happy to cooperate after I speak with my lawyer.”
Step 7: Be Aware of Recordings
Assume recording devices are present in squad cars and holding cells. Speak carefully and avoid making statements without legal counsel.
Additional Resources
If you’re a concealed carry permit holder or someone trained in self-defense, consider resources like CCW Safe (ccwsafe.com) for legal protection and advice tailored to self-defense incidents.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for legal guidance specific to your situation.
More Free Online Violence Prevention and Self Defense Education
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, our mission is to prevent violence by building skills and inspiring individuals to be agents of personal, community & cultural change.
The Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD) offers a variety of public training programs designed to empower individuals with practical self-defense skills and violence prevention strategies. These classes are open to anyone looking to improve their personal safety, ranging from beginners to those with prior experience. The courses focus on a holistic approach to self-defense, covering essential topics like verbal de-escalation, situational awareness, and setting boundaries, alongside physical defense techniques. Participants are taught how to recognize and respond to potential threats while maintaining a calm and confident demeanor. Whether through workshops, seminars, or hands-on classes, CVPSD provides the tools and knowledge needed to navigate real-world scenarios safely and effectively. These public offerings ensure that people of all backgrounds have access to life-saving skills that can help prevent violence in their everyday lives.