A NURSES GUIDE TO AN IMPROVISED HOME DEFENSE

PRAETORIAN HOME QUICK LIST INCIDENT NURSES NURSES BLOGS

THE THREAT

Home invasion, is when a person knowingly goes into a home that he or she knows the owner or tenant is in, or when he or she waits there for someone to arrive. It also applies to people who falsely represent themselves in order to gain entry.

For you as a nurse the threat is real, and goes beyond theft of property. The human mind is fickle in its reasoning and if a person blames you and believes that you are the fault of the medical lost or pain of a loved one or friend, then that person could find out where you live and attack.  Perhaps the work you do is embroiled in political or social conflict such as abortion, or termination of life on a respirator and you become the symbolical target of that frustration.  The reasoning for targeting nurses for violence is as varying as there is the interactions you have with people in hospitals, clinics, private practice offices. Traditionally such violence against nurses occurs at the place of practice, but times are changing.

The chances of being involved in a home invasion is relatively small when viewed to the overall population, but one could make the same argument about other forms of incidents such as your house having a fire, you or a family member having a medical emergency, or even being in a car wreck. In all these circumstances the relative number of occurrences is low compared to the overall population, still we all plan for these incidents through the purchase of insurance policies, medical coverage and purchasing cars with enhanced safety.

 And just like those other types of incidents, a home invasion can be costly, and even worse, deadly or result in serious injury. The DOJ reported 1 million burglaries occurred with people in the home. 27% of them became victim of a violent crime.

THE MISSION

The goal of this blog post is to add to you the nurse, another layer to your overall personal protection posture. While firearms and other designated weapons are the best and first choice to have in a residential invasion, sometimes access to these devices are not possible. Let’s say you are a visiting nurse to a patience home, or you are simply visiting a relative or friend when the environment turns critical, and you don’t have a traditional weapon at hand.  knowing that you can convert household items to give you a chance to escape or defend can be comforting. By the end of this post, you will be a better protective minded Nurse, and will see the potential of items in the home in a whole new way.

YOU THE NURSE

You are the nurse and you assume the responsibility for the continuous care of the sick, the injured, the disabled, and the dying. You encourage the health of individuals, families, and communities in medical and community settings.

It is your field that is actively involved in health care research, management, policy deliberations, and patient advocacy. You are among one of the largest, most diverse, and respected of all health care professions. As a professional you work both independently and in collaboration with other health care professionals such as physicians, and medical technicians.

As a Nurse of any level you put in long hours, and hard work everyday that you go in to the job. Of course, your work is a passion of love, nonetheless it can be a daily grind.

TRANSITION OF THOUGHT

Much like the equipment you use at your nursing station to perform your duties. You should likewise have a formidable personal defensive mindset and knowledge for yourself.

Many people are conscious minded to a degree when out in public, and carry items they thrust to help protect themselves during a situation gone wrong. We should all have the same awareness at home.

YOUR FORTRESS

When you leave work and enter your home, you expect the residence to be your safe place, your sanctuary, your get away from a crazy and hectic world of people in pain and misery. It is a mindset that we all have and for good reason.  Now the dilemma, to consider. Your home is your castle, but is your castle fortified and if breached would you have the means to defend your castle from the barbarians at the gate?

THE PERSONAL DEFENSE MIND

As a nurse your mind and heart are on saving and preserving life, however while at work and in your own home you should leave room for good old self-preservation.

Now when we talk about home defense the first things that come to mind is a ballistic weapon i.e. Hand gun, or more passively we think security system. Great! That is an awesome foundation to stand on, still to round out your personal defense profile at home let’s consider what we can do to protect ourselves now that the alarm is blaring, and the gun is not within reach or easy access.

Much like you have primed yourself to respond quickly and systematically at work to the medical emergency, now turn that same mind set towards defending yourself from a home invasion.

PRAETORIAN EFFORT

Praetorian has compiled a list of everyday items found in your home that can be used to defend yourself during a home invasion, when traditional protective products may not be at hand.

 As a nurse you are trained to run to the danger, however within your home your mission and first priority is to protect yourself, your family and to allow all to escape and get help. Anything that opens a window of opportunity for you to escape is beneficial to your personal defense objectives.

PRAETORIAN RESOLUTION  

So, let’s take a tour through each primary room of a residence and glean what ordinary items you can use to turn the table on the bad guy and allow you to maneuver into escape mode. 

 THE KITCHEN

Knives: You see it in every scary or horror movie, the scared character grabs a knife and stands poised to ponce upon the assailant with jabs and slashes. Yep, this is an obvious and easy one. But what else lies lurking in our kitchen that can be used for our improvised personal defense. Come and see.

 Hot Liquid: Be it coffee, tea, soup or water on the stove, throw that hot liquid in the face of your attacker.

Cutting board: So simple, yet so effective. If you have a sturdy cutting board made of wood or other strong material, then you have in your presence a weapon, a small shield, and a distance creator. With a little practice and thinking out of the box you can become effective at blocking fist and knife attacks; jabbing to create distance will allow you to move to an exit or safe room, or if called for to counter assault the assailant with direct force. 

 Kitchen cleaning products: The attacker rushes into your home, you are in the kitchen, panic attempts to set in your mind, but you cut it off. Immediately you reach under the sink and grab one of the multitudes of cleaning products. Cleaning products contain chemicals that are extremely irritable to the eyes. Spray or splash cleaning products in the face of an attacker and you will turn the tides on the battle.

Food Items That can irritate Eyes: Most of us have in our kitchen foods that naturally when they come in contact with the eyes can become an extreme irritant due to their acidity, granular form or other properties. Such items would include vinegar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Grab the content container and toss or douse your attacker’s face with the item. Any of these items goal is to cause an attacker to be distracted and unable to see if even for only a moment.

 Small Appliances: Grab that toaster, juicer and let it fly, even if you don’t hurt the invader you will cause him to flinch and, in this moment, you can gain vital seconds to move to the next phase which is to either set your escape in motion, or time your counter attack. Oh, an don’t rely on just one thing, you want to fling any and everything that is solid, and enough weight to move straight through the air. Get a nerf ball or other soft object and practice tossing it at a target while you move to escape or attack. Remember, your mind in difficult situations only knows what it has practiced to do. Of course, as a nurse your occupational training has already given you a strong foundation in up tempo stressed situations and environments.

 THE BEDROOM TRADITIONAL PROTECTION

Okay traditionally this room will be one of the more weaponized rooms of the home. Now the next three items do not necessarily fall within the common improvised weapon category of home items, but I do want to cover them.

Hand Gun: So, do you have a gun? Great! Have you practiced moving in the dark to where you have it stored, and have you practiced dry firing in this situation to stimulate firing and engaging actual aggressor? Uh oh, if not make that part of your personal defense training profile.

When your adrenalin is kicking in at full bore the first thing to go will be your fine motor skills and clear thinking. What will remain will be your mechanical, repetitive trained motions, so keep the movement as simple and natural as possible and practice, practice. 

Look let me put a fine point on this, just saying I have a gun and if someone breaks in, I will get it and shoot them is faulty thinking at a minimum. Please put your repetitive motion practice in, tell your mind and body what it needs to do for you, when you are unable to think clearly. 
Pepper Spray Gun: Now this item you can place in your nightstand or near the bed, because it does not possess the lethality and finality of a handgun, still the same practice protocols should be applied.

Blunt Force Object: This would be bashing items like a Baseball Bat, which you could also use to jab at the attacker to create distance or strike.

Okay now back to those common items in the bedroom that you can weaponize in a pinch to protect yourself or to create time to escape.

BEDROOM IMPROVISED PROTECTION: Bedding

Bed: Get out of bed, do not defend from your bed. You can use your bed as a barrier between you and the attacker depending on its location. If your bed is situated near a wall in such a way that there is gap between the wall and the bed, avoid this space, it is a red zone. This space will limit your mobility, and will not provide you with proper footing or defensive stance in which to launch your counter attack or escape. 

Now if your bed is in the middle of a wall and provides free movement on three sides, you now have a bed that can be used for your defense. Practice moving around your bed, imagine an attacker on the opposite side of you and practice moving away with the bed as a barrier. Okay I said don’t defend from your bed, but does not mean using to transport from one side to the other, so practice moving across your bed from one side to the other, as if avoiding being grabbed. Finally, when using your bed as defense you must associate it with another weapon or object of defense if you move across the bed. When moving across the bed you must have a distraction which will delay the attacker from trying to out right tackle you on the bed. Practice, practice.

 Pillows and Blankets: Pillows and blankets can be used to delay and distract an attacker to possibly provide you with the opportunity to escape. Remember this anything you have that will cause the attacker to grab it, instead of you is a good thing, so get those pillows up and on guard. Blankets are interesting in that with a little practice and finesse the blanket can be used as a type of net.

Imagine your attacker having to fiddle with being tangled in a well thrown blanket over their head.  Yeah, no matter what they will have to deal with that, even if it is just for a moment. As I say if you are well practiced and prepared a mere moment is long enough for you to make a lifesaving movement.

BEDROOM IMPROVISED PROTECTION: End Table and Dressers Items

Table Lamps: Use your bedside lamp (and the cord), Table Lamps can be used as a barrier to put distance between you and an attacker. Obvious is the fact that you can use this item as a striking weapon, though understand that is the lamp is fragile or made of glass you made get only one solid use, so have an exit use plan in place for what to do next. You can also use that cord as a whip. Remember practice, practice.

Other Common Objects: clocks, books, coffee mug or anything else you have near you that has weight and you can lift and throw with ease. You can hit an attacker with these. Remember hit and move, if the aggressor flinches, he will have to re acquire you, don’t make it easy by being in the exact same spot.

 BEDROOM IMPROVISED PROTECTION: Closet & Floor items

Men Shoes: Yes, you heard me right, shoes. Men’s dress shoes usually have a harden heel and can be formidable use it. Now your first thought might be to throw that bad boy at the attacker, but not so fast, your first effort should be to use the shoe as a club.

For the men’s shoe or any non-high heel shoe you want to ensure to make sure to use the hard-sole side as the striking point, sounds simple I know, but you would be surprised how many people would out of panic strike with the side of the shoe or even the lance side. When you strike do not telegraph your blow, but rather us short arcing blows, again time your strikes and avoid that kamikaze fellow I spoke of earlier.

Women High Heel Shoes: The female high heel is an interesting weapon, you goal here is to strike not at the body, but to time your strikes and wait for an opportunity to jab at the face and neck. Here you want to use quick forceful jabs, not long gauging blows. strike different parts of the target zone traveling your strikes to keep the aggressor from knowing what area will be struck next. Your strategy: strike and pivot and strike some more, again practice, practice.

 THE LIVING ROOM

Learn the design of your living room furniture, take a moment to study. Look at the height of your chairs, sofa, couch. Look at the multiple pathways, observe the rooms obstructions. Imagine escape routes, also observe what parts of the room will allow you to make a defensive stand. With this accomplished you now know where your barriers are that you can use to place between you and the aggressor.

THE LIVING ROOM: Barrier Protection

Sofa: By Sofa I would include any type of large sitting furniture. So, you’re not going to pick this up, and that’s a good thing because neither is the aggressor. Oh, he may try to push or pull it out of the way to get to you, so factor this into your well thought out plans. The goal here is to keep the sofa between you and the aggressor, make him reach for you and have a response in mind. If the aggressor move right you move left. If he jumps over, you dash in the most open direction that leads to escape. Finally, in some circumstances the sofa can be used to hide behind, in this case remain calm, look and listen and when you feel you have an opportunity to make a dash for an exit take it. The key, silent as a cat, dash like a mouse.

Coffee Table: This item works much like the sofa, though due to its size and height provides less resistance, and the element of hiding would be missing. Its lighter weight and size could allow you to kick push towards the aggressor as he moves to you. Of course, here timing is the issue to master.

THE LIVING ROOM: Blocking & Shielding

Small Chairs: Here is a prized defensive tool, learn its architecture and use it. How? The chair can be used to create separation between you and the aggressor while you are on the move. So, you can actually hold up the chair as you maneuver along your escape path. You can also jab at vulnerable areas of the aggressor if you are trapped, the goal is to attack to create an opening so you can move along your escape path. The goal is note to fight it is to escape.

Table Lamps: much like bed room lamps, living room table Lamps can be used as a barrier to put distance between you and an attacker. Obvious is the fact that you can use this item as a striking weapon, though understand that this type lamp is fragile or made of glass you made get only one solid use, so have an exit use plan in place for what to do next. You can also use that cord as a whip. Remember practice, practice.

Tall Floor Lamps: These lamps are often sturdier, and they add the ability to create and maintain distance, you may be tempted to strike and jab at the aggressor offensively and that is cool, but let that be a last-ditch option to escape. Ideally you want to use this lamp to block the aggressor’s efforts and to allow you to maneuver as opposed to a jab run option.

Couch Cushions: Remember what I said, anything you can get between you and the bad guy is a good thing. I know what you are thinking, come on Greg, a cushion! Yep, if the aggressor has a knife you will be ever so thankful for that big old couch cushion. When you use this hold it firmly an if the aggressor slashes or punches block quickly and return, don’t leave this item out there in outer space or you may lose it.

THE LIVING ROOM: Striking

Shoes: Same as bedroom, however the circumstances of the environment an where the shoe would be are different and should be recognized by you. In the living room the shoe might be readily available as you may have just kicked it off by the couch, where as in the bed room you may have neatly stored it away in a closet or shoe rack. Keep this in mind and practice a bit getting to these spots in differing circumstances, to get a feel for the difference in the two rooms.  

Charging Cords: Charging cords be they from your phone, laptop, or other small appliance can be used as a whip to keep the attacker at bay. Now don’t go all kamikaze, you have to time when you use the whip. If you whip it through the air a couple times in the view of the attacker then raise your hand back in the ready whip position you will cause the attacker to pause. Use this pause to maneuver yourself towards an exit.

If the attacker makes a bull rush, then your tactic is to whip, pivot and whip, from here if you can escape take it. If you are still in a compromised location, then use the ready-whip-move tactic until you get an opportunity to flee. Also keep in mind not to isolate this tactic, by this I mean if you can use the whip in conjunction with another device such as a barrier chair to make it harder for the attacker to get near you then you have enhanced your protection stance greatly. Usage once in hand is the same.

THE LIVING ROOM: projectile

Any Throwable Object: Other than shoes, cords and chairs everything else that you can comfortably lift and throw is in play. Your goal is to make the aggressor flinch.  It is important that throwing becomes a conscious part of your plan, not the plan itself. You throw stuff to either allow you to get a prime weapon, or to move to a more secure and defendable position or to execute an escape action. So, throw that TV remote, throw that table air freshener, throw that flower vase, hey throw a few fake tosses and faints in there to keep the aggressor off guard. The point here is to keep ‘em flinching, on defense, and off guard.

 THE LIVING ROOM: Puncturing

Pens, Pencils, Markers: Ah yes, the writing tool. If you can get your hand on one then jam it into your attacker’s face, neck or other soft tissue. Like the High Heel shoe, you want to jab firmly and with power, but not over thrust.

DINING ROOM

Small Chairs: Same principles as found in the living room, though in the dining room these chairs are more functional and sturdier, often made of wood thus they will make excellent shielding devices.

Dining Table: This table often very sturdy, can be used as a barrier either on its leg foundation, or you can if able flip it to create a shield as well.

Dishes & Glass: Good throwing weapons (I hope they are not family past downs), again the simplicity of this is to distract and cause flinching as you move and set up your next counter. Throwing dishes can not be the endgame of your defense.
Silverware: Ah yes, a true weapon indeed. Obviously if you pick up a spoon you can throw it, but if you happen to come into a fork or knife, even a butter knife well then hey, you know where I am going with this. Stab, jab and slash and don’t be timid about it, let the bad guy know that “resistance is not futile.”

 THE BATHROOM

Be mindful that most bathrooms will be what I call confined spaces, the defensive mechanics and mind set is different here. So, your weapon choices should be close in types that will require you to be more of the aggressor, as there will not be much in the way of structural barriers as in other rooms, okay let’s begin.

 BATHROOM: Striking Weapons

Hair Dryer: This is a striking item, do not throw it. You want to depending on its size and weight hold with two hands securely grasp it and jab at the aggressor.

Don’t thrust and leave it out there for the attacker to grab, the mission here is to cause the aggressor to flinch, back up, or move off balance, from here you can then make your move and use the device as a small shield to drive through and pass the attacker. Yes, it will require some practice, of course everything I am telling you will require you to practice and get a feel for.

Clothes Irons: If you keep this item in your bathroom (Yea some people do, thank you very much), then you have a very formidable weapon. It is effective as a thrust weapon, as well as a blunt force weapon so punch, and pound the aggressor until you get an escape opening.

Curling Iron:   If you have this item in operation, meaning this baby is hot, then you know what to do. Place that hotness on any exposed skin area of the aggressor burn him, then quickly move to escape, don’t waste any time here because if you burn the aggressor he will be pissed. Now if the item is not hot then of course it becomes a striking and jabbing weapon.

Toilet Plunger/ Cleaner Wand: Yes I said it, and the moment you pick it up it becomes a club. Sure it is a little lite, so your goal is to cause more of a flinch or distraction than subduing pain. If the aggressor has to react to you, instead of dictate then that is a good thing for you. With this ever so very slight advantage you can transition to escape or a more powerful protective proposition.

Jars and Containers: Perhaps it is a glass candle, lotion container, whatever it is get it in hand and strike with it. In this sense the item become an extension of your hand, the plus is it will protect your hand, but also it has the potential to greater pain than your hand would have. The key here is to become familiar with the motion required to move to hit a target, as well as the positioning of your hand to ensure the surface of the item strikes the aggressor. If you have gotten a feel for yet you know what I am going to say……practice! Thank you now lets continue.

BATHROOM: Puncturing Weapons

Tooth Brush: Now you know for a certainty, that this item will be available in your bathroom, so develop a contingency plan that has this in it.

Scissors: Potentially the best improvised weapon in the bath room, but I need to add this note. This should be used as puncturing weapon; you place yourself at a disadvantage if you attempt to slash with it. The reason is the scissors lack an invasive edge to cause enough stopping power. Yes, the slash is better than nothing, but why waste a tremendous weapon by not utilizing its greatest potential.

Finger Nail File: Same idea as the scissors applies here, with one caveat, the file is at its best for you if it is made of metal, or at least sturdy design. The flimsy stuff is excellent for filing your nails, but could snap on impact if jabbed, and we would imagine that, that is not a good thing.

BATHROOM: Eye & Raspatory Weapons

Spays: This is anything that will eject a forceful array of chemicals towards an aggressor, try to avoid sprays to eject to great of a mist as this could in such a confined area come back to affect you as well.

So, test your items, look for bug sprays, hair sprays, air fresheners (you are going to want to get up close with this one, I would categorize this as an ambush weapon.), any aerosol/spray chemical product that is sprayed directly in an attacker’s face will temporarily blind them and expedite your escape.

Powders: Baby powder, cleaning powder, you get the idea. If placed correctly you can get this stuff in there eyes as an escape distraction, if you can get it up the nose and in the eyes you gain even more of a fraction of time to get out or counter attack.

BATHROOM: Blocking & Shielding Weapons

First off what is the difference? Well blocking is more proactive; the aggressor strikes at you and you move to engage his strike by what is essentially the attacking of the striking arm. Shielding is more passive, where you are more covering up and waiting. Both have their place, shielding allows you to hold your position when you don’t have an option open, yet. Blocking allows you to maneuver, create space. or set a known escape plan into motion.

Trash Can: Trash cans are Irons lite; the type of material the can is made of will determine the degree of protection and weaponizing that will be acquired.

Laundry Bin: You can use the laundry bin as a shield to put a barrier between you and the aggressor who is trying to grab you. As an ambush device the laundry bin makes sense as you may be able to drop it over the aggressor head to momentarily obstruct view and distract them.

Here you ambush the aggressor as he enters the bathroom you are waiting; the moment he enters you drop the hamper on him and without hesitation push and drive pass them initiating your escape protocols (Fancy term for run). It is not the best of these options, but if you can make it work for you, it’s on the table and it beats, crazy fighting.

BATHROOM: Choking Weapons

Cords: Okay let me first start with this, whipping should be a very last resort, due to the confined space of most bathrooms. So, what do I do? The cord here comes into play as an ambush choking weapon, this technique takes familiarity, and surprise, but can be effective, so there for it is on the table and in your arsenal of improvised defense weaponry.   So, with two hands wrap that cord around the aggressor’s neck tighten and hold on until they are out. Need I say this is a last resort option.

THE LAUNDRY ROOM

Bleach: Most people have a bottle of bleach in their laundry room to keep their whites, super white. Throw bleach directly into the face of your attacker! Anything that burns an attacker’s eyes, lungs or mouth is a great option when your options for self-defense are limited.

Clothes iron: The Iron is more than just for making your clothes look good, in it you have a very formidable weapon. It is effective as a thrust weapon, as well as a blunt force weapon so punch, and pound the aggressor until you get an escape opening. If the iron happens to be on at the time, burn the attacker with it and make your escape.

Laundry Items: Clothes, socks and towels can all be used to cause the aggressor to flinch, distract, or cause the aggressor to make a defensive move as opposed to being on the attack. The causing of a defensive move is so subtle, but huge when seconds matter and escape opportunities fleeting.

Hangers: A regular wire coat hanger can be quickly bent and used as a self-defense weapon. Jab and stab an attacker to defend yourself! Aim for tender areas of the body such as eyes, neck, inner arms and behind the knees.

Ironing board: The ironing board can be used as a shield to block an attacker, because of most boards size it can afford you a good degree of spacing, which can be used to position for an opportune escape. You can use it to strike, but I would only do so as a last resort since the ironing board is odd shaped and unbalanced weight as striking is concerned, but makes an awesome shield. Okay here is where I again have to say, practice, practice.

Cleaning Products and Laundry Detergent: Any acidic or corrosive cleaning products in your laundry room can be used to blind your attacker. Even powdered laundry detergent can be thrown in an attacker’s face.

SOLVING THE BUDGET, LETHAL, SAFETY DILEMMA

The ideal personal defense products are handguns, stun Guns, pepper sprays, however having one in every room is a bit Praetorian for some nurses, while others of you will find that buying that amount of product for each room is beyond the defense budget. Still other nurses have family member concerns and don’t want products designed to hurt around every room. Improvised weaponry can fill the gaps of budget, over security, and child safety concerns.  

IN CLOSING

 The number of items around your home that you can use as improvised weapons for your protection against an intruder is endless, it just takes a moment of consideration an imagination during times of peace, to see the possibilities.

If you take the time now while things are calm, to identify and make note of the weaponized potential of these items around your home, you will set in motion an amazing mental process. A process that will trigger under times of duress the subconscious mind and mechanical memory to link up and provide your panicked conscious mind with actionable protective options. It will allow you to like a super computing machine to process the right thing to do in a shifting unpredictable violent environment.

PERSONAL DEFENSE PRODUCTS

You don’t need protective devices in every room, but you should have some form of device specifically designed for the environment and antagonist of personal defense in the home.  Praetorian Incident Consulting offers a broad array of personal defense products to include: Pepper Spray guns, pepper spray hand devices, Stun Guns, Knives, ballistic protection, panic buttons, home security systems, cameras and more. Visit the Venture Store for full product line.

SPECIAL THANKYOU

Praetorian Incident Consulting would like to personally thank you the Nurse for your tireless devotion to serve the countless persons in medical need. Thank you for your consistent and continuing education within your profession, and we hope that we have been able to provide you with information that will help you to have greater peace of mind in your personal life. God Bless.

MORE INFORMATION

TRAINING

For more subject information see our : Training for Nurses section & Praetorian Video

SERVICE

Praetorian Incident Consulting is a service operation of Genesis Strategic Ventures, which is an Information, training and consulting service company. Other core service operations within Genesis include: Omni travel Quest; Third Rail Commentary; Zenith Bible Analysis; Monolith Christian Ethos; and Genesis Strategic Christian Intelligence.

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