June 20, 2011
By George Wehby
As a personal defense mental exercise, I often sit around and imagine myself in wild but very plausible scenarios. I have heard it referred to as "Crisis Rehearsal" or "Visualization." I get to experience emotional responses, and quite enjoy this type of mental training. I have been taught and have read that visualization can effect how you respond to certain situations. Plus, its fun and a good way to kill some time.
Recently, I was watching two men argue from a distance while behind a fenced in area and thought to myself, "What if one started to bludgeon the other with an impact weapon?" Now mind you, they were definitely within 25 yards, but there was an 8 foot fence separating us. What if the one doing the assaulting would not stop when I yelled out for him to stop? Being armed, I would definitely consider intervening, but I also consider the legal ramifications of such an act on my part. Human decency would prompt me to do something, even though I do not know the victim, and I am in no way under attack. I am pretty sure I would not climb the fence, so anything I could do would have to be done from my side of the fence. Calling the police is definitely called for, but it will not save the victim receiving the beating from grave bodily harm, and calling police will most likely be done after I intervene since the attacker is using what I consider deadly force.
Now since this is all being played out in my head, I run through all the options I can come up with. Of course, I yell out and the guy doesn't stop (What fun would it be if he did?--For training, that is.). Seeing that he is about to kill (if he hasn't already) the other guy I am forced to use my CCW. I go through all the legal ramifications in my head. Dealing with the police, calling for medics, dealing with a civil lawsuit that may come down from the attacker or his family. It's a lot to consider. What would you do? This is definitely a possible scenario. Enjoy the training!
Enjoy articles like this?
Subscribe to the magazine.
Get access to everything Guns & Ammo has to offer.
Subscribe to the Magazine