Dear Editor,
The abduction and murder of Wendy Montulet last Saturday, has compelled me to write you with the hope that some of this information may help someone on this island that I love and have called home for the past 25 years.
I have trained with members of the US military and US police including S.W.A.T and would like to share a few simple principles.
The human brain is the most powerful weapon on earth. Knowledge is the key. You can train for years in self-defence techniques and martial arts, but if you are surprised by a determined bad guy all the punching and kicking may not help you....the best way to win a fight is not to get into one. It’s all about knowledge....once you have it, it can't be taken away.
Here are some things to know:
1. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Many runners and walkers are oblivious to what is happening around them because of ear buds or headphones. The human sensory system has developed over millions of years for survival. If you can't hear and listen to what is going on around you then you can't be aware, and you increase the chances of someone or something surprising you. This goes for hearing non-human threats as well like cars and dogs. Not being able to hear what is going on around you drastically cuts down on your reaction time, which includes running away or effectively fighting off a threat. This is especially true from behind and night time where you don't see and need to rely on your hearing. If you must have your music then use only one ear bud allowing you to hear some surrounding sounds...but no ear phones is best. Beware of walking and texting as well. If your focus in on your phone then it’s not on your surroundings and you will not be able to react in time.
2. Safety circle – Your safety zone is the length of your body in a circle around you. Your job is to maintain that circle. This allows you time to react to a threat. Either fight or flight. If someone breaks that circle then you move back, front or side to maintain it. A common way for a bad guy to get into your circle is by distraction...such as asking for the time, directions or assistance... “Hi I lost my dog...can you help me?” while moving in close to you...if that happens then get loud! Call attention to yourself; make big gestures with your hands. "Hey back up! Help! You're scaring me!" Listen to your vibe...if someone or something is making the hair on the back of your neck stand up. (making you nervous) don't ignore that feeling...its millions of years of survival instinct kicking in. No one needs to be in your circle for you to give them the time or directions.
I teach people to carry a Fox 40 whistle, super loud and works wet or dry. Scream…yell… get loud...blow the whistle...keep your circle... The good people that will come to your aid will always outnumber the bad guys meaning to do you harm. Remember...bad guys don't always look like bad guys and most are cowards who will back down or flee when others come to help the person calling attention to them. Also, be the person who is not afraid to come to the aid of someone in distress...get involved...we all have children, wives, mothers, sisters, fathers, brothers and friends...do what you would want someone to do for them if they needed help.
3. Programme your phone. In your favourites list or speed dial should be the following headings: Police – If you are being threatened call that number and leave the line open while you deal with the threat...speak either directly or indirectly to the officer who answers and let them know: A. Your name; B. Your location; C. What is happening...leave the line open.. Make sure this is on your speed dial. If you are under stress you don't want to be fumbling with your phone to remember and dial a number....
I.C.E. – this stands for In Case of Emergency. This is the number of the person you want contacted by a first responder if you are incapacitated. First responders are trained to look for this number on a victim’s phone.
Turn on you “Find my phone” or phone locator app, or carry a GPS tracker or buy a GPS sports watch. Help the people looking for you find you.
If something positive can come from such a heart-breaking senseless tragedy, maybe it can be the knowledge of these three simple things to keep more of us safe in the future. Please say a prayer to whatever higher power you believe in for Wendy, her family and friends.
Mark Sollinger
