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Training to avoid violence is the best defense

It makes sense for firefighters and medics to learn defensive skills, but learning how to avoid physical conflict is more important

It’s unfortunate and often unexpected, but we know that firefighters and EMS providers are all too often the targets of violence. Sometimes these attacks are deliberate and premeditated. Perhaps more often we find ourselves in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with people who, for a variety of reasons, assault those charged with helping them.

From the start of my fire-EMS career, I was taught to avoid confrontation and violent encounters. Interestingly enough, that’s the exact same training I received in several martial arts I’ve practiced through the years.

Like many of you, however, it didn’t take long before I found myself in harm’s way. Not very often, fortunately, but I had enough close calls that I became very proactive about staging and calling early for law enforcement support. Still, as in this story, sometimes we just can’t avoid a fracas.

While providing defensive tactics training for fire and emergency services workers makes a lot of sense, it’s also vital to constantly remember that the best way to avoid getting injured, or worse, is to avoid the fight. Physical measures are always a last resort; they can’t replace the skills of verbal de-escalation or, failing that, escape and evasion.

It’s also important to understand the legal implications of using physical force, even in a seemingly minor way, and regardless of whether or not you believe you’re acting in self-defense.

Stay safe!

Adam K. Thiel is the fire commissioner and director of the Office of Emergency Management in the city of Philadelphia. Thiel previously served as a fire chief in the National Capital Region and as a state fire director for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Thiel’s operational experience includes serving with distinction in four states as a chief officer, incident commander, company officer, hazardous materials team leader, paramedic, technical rescuer, structural/wildland firefighter and rescue diver. He also directly participated in response and recovery efforts for several major disasters, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Tropical Storm Gaston and Hurricane Isabel.