BE PREPARED

Prioritizing Civilian Training for Terror Attack Preparedness

In light of recent terror attacks, including the tragic events at the Christmas Market in Magdeburg, Germany, it is more and more clear that civilians must be prepared to respond effectively to mass casualty situations. One of my missions from the beginning of this project Tribe 13 but also before was to implement the trauma medicine skills as part of every Protector training program. People are more directed and focused on the combat side(fire weapons, edge weapons, hand to hand combat) and that is nothing bad, we must have this skills. The problem is when the people are not understanding that you cannot separate the combat element from the healing one(trauma medicine). I want you as a Protector, civilian to understand that the probability to need this healing skills is more high than to use your knife or gun in combat. If we take the situation in which you live in an European country where civilians are not allowed to carry a fire weapon than few realistic options are remaining available. Does this means that you cannot be a Protector anymore?NO! Of course you can but you must prioritize other skills in your training. Preparation not only increases the chances of personal survival but also empowers individuals to save others.

You must understand that you are your first responder and until the professionals are arriving to the scene is all depending on you and your skills to remain alive or to help others.

Trauma Medicine: The Cornerstone of Preparedness

Stop the Bleed: Managing Severe Bleeding

Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in terror attacks. Civilians should focus on the following skills:

• Tourniquet Application: Mastering the proper application of a tourniquet can control arterial bleeding from limbs, buying critical time until professional medical help arrives.

• Wound Packing: Packing deep wounds with gauze, especially those in junctional areas like the groin or shoulder, can significantly reduce blood loss.

• Chest Seals: Penetrating chest injuries require immediate attention to prevent a collapsed lung. Learning to apply vented chest seals is vital.

Trauma Kit Essentials

Having the right tools on hand is just as important as having the knowledge to use them. Every civilian but also law enforcement or first responder personnel should consider carrying:

• Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK): Contains the basics for treating one person, including a tourniquet, gauze, chest seals. (Look for original not fake medical equipment)

• Trauma Bag for Mass Casualties: For those attending crowded events or working in high-risk areas, a more comprehensive trauma kit with additional supplies can be crucial.

  For all this you can find in the training section a lot of materials with all the information that you need.

  Some of you were already participating at events, courses and boot camps where I was teaching. If you don't have possibility to travel and to enroll at my courses please find a Red Cross or other companies around you that are delivering this courses. Investing time in your training is a must if you want to be a Protector.

First Aid Training

In addition to trauma-specific skills, general first aid knowledge BLS (Basic Life Support, including CPR and use of AED( Automatic Defibrillator)is essential.

Situational Awareness: Staying Ahead of Threats

Understanding Risk

• Crowded Places: Markets, festivals, and public transport hubs can be potential targets. Avoid these areas during peak times if possible.

• Escape Routes: Always identify exits and safe zones when entering a new area.

Detecting Suspicious Activity

• Be alert to unusual behavior, unattended packages, or individuals wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather.

• Use mobile apps or hotlines to discreetly report suspicious activities to authorities.

Behavioral Preparedness: Avoidance and Action

Basic Rules to Minimize Risk

• Avoid High-Profile Events: Politically or religiously significant gatherings may be higher-risk targets.

• Blend In: Avoid drawing attention to yourself in unfamiliar or high-risk environments.

Run, Hide, Fight Framework

• Run: Evacuate the area immediately if it’s safe to do so.

• Hide: Find a concealed and secure location if escape isn’t an option.

• Fight: Incapacitate the attacker using available weapons or objects.

  This order can change depending on the situation. For this topic you have the E-book Kill or Heal in the digital library.

Community and Collaboration

Group Training

Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to participate in training programs like Stop the Bleed or first aid courses. Collective preparedness strengthens community resilience.

I encourage all of you, members that you are living close to each other to organize yourself, and create small training groups with friends and families also and try to focus on preparedness. If you don't have around members from the tribe, try to learn and practice with your family or friends. The times are changing fast and not in a good way, so train and prepare yourselves to be real Protectors!

To be a Protector is much more that paying a membership on a platform and ware a t-shirt and train 1-2 times on the week. To be a Protector is investing energy and time to be really ready to make a difference when the time comes.

Start now!