Alternative defensive tools

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DevLcL

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I've only put in 16 hours so far but I've already had to assist in detaining two 51-50's. Whats the job? Security Officer in a somewhat upscale hospital. Grave shift. They don't allow firearms either concealed or open carry, as a company policy. They frown on carrying pepper spray (for obvious patient heath issues) but you could do it after a certified training class and a little bit of sweet talking. The baton or nightstick are not allowed either. The main idea is make the patients feel like they have nothing to worry about. Of course, I'm sure lots of folks would say they should feel more secure if had weapons, and I agree. However, lots of the people we deal with are likely anti-gun and the other half are crazy or too old to even comprehend.

Anyway, I'm looking for some alternative defensive tools to aid in my own personal security while keeping a low profile and won't seriously injure the patients. I keep a little S&W tactical folder in my cargo pocket, but I see that as a last resort. I carry a surefire, a set of maybe 20 larger keys, and a radio. Handcuffs coming soon as soon as I do their training class.

Thanks for reading,
-Dev
 
Sounds like you need some unarmed grappling, joint-locking, and pain compliance training, rather than trying to find a magic wand of nonlethal immobilization.
 
Actually I have a little, but I'm also going to get some more training in here pretty soon.
 
My girlfriend works in the ER of a big hospital. I got her a "keychain" made of brass knuckles. Just make sure there is at least one key attached.:evil:

Kevin
 
Sounds like what you need is some liquid bluff. Take it out, shake it up, poor it all over yourself. Instant Bad Attitude.

Amazon.com $29.99 per 4oz. bottle.


Wears off in about twenty min..:) In the mean time you be a bad mo jamma.


Just kidding, good luck with the new job.:)
 
Telperion said:
How about a kubaton? Do a search on the term here.
Click to expand...

That would probably be a good supplement to your folder; the downside is that in many places it's illegal to carry one because it's only function is really as a weapon. It sounds like company policy is to keep security guards unarmed; a kubaton has no good cover story to make you unarmed when your carry it (it doesn't provide light for you when you need it, does it? etc. ;)). A good substitute for a kubaton is the lowly 2AA cell MiniMag; it's just a simple flashlight for when you need some light. (Get the picture? ;) ) For a better grip on the flashlight wrap it with paracord as explained on The Martialist site.

Besides that, like others have said, get training, especially like the type RyanM recommended.
 
Definitely training. Your best weapons are the ones you already have and that people can't take away from you. Your arms, your legs, and your brain.

Well, I wouldn't recommend throwing your brain at people as a weapon. But it can come in handy in other ways. ;)
 
You dont have sheriff/police deputies in the ER? Damn.... That was the first job I ever had when I was a reserve deputy, sitting in a chair in the ER in the middle of the night doing homework. A couple pissed off looking deputies, with pr-24s and s&w 4506s helps keep everybody civil...

Honestly I recommend getting a different job...
 
Wow. Alright so I just finished my third shift, and guess what? Shots fired. I won't/can't go into too much detail but the initial report is that it was a robbery gone bad. Nobody was hurt, its not even confirmed yet that shot actually were fired. Thats just what the 'victim' has stated. This has really got me thinking about my own personal safety. I'll have to have a serious talk with my supervisor about carrying (at the very least concealed). See, the problem is that we, as security officers, have to use non-violent detention tactics almost daily. These situations do not warrant the use of a firearm. In these situations when I'm grappling with a patient, it would be a disaster if the patient got ahold of my sidearm. Concealed carry seems to be the ticket. Anyway the boss man put in an order for some kevlar vests for all the officers, which is a start. Tonight I'll be out there watching for these people to 'come back and finish the job'. I'll be armed with a flashlight and night vision.

Maybe if I get shot at I can blind the suspect with my light and throw the night vision set at him. :what:

-Dev


You dont have sheriff/police deputies in the ER? Damn.... That was the first job I ever had when I was a reserve deputy, sitting in a chair in the ER in the middle of the night doing homework. A couple pissed off looking deputies, with pr-24s and s&w 4506s helps keep everybody civil...
Click to expand...

You know, thats probably the way to go, but the job of the security officer is to observe and report. We're not under any obligation to stop any threats if we choose not to. For me personally, I will always tackle the guy/girl or whatever, but I don't have to. As far as actual officers in the ER, well theres usually a prisoner or two visiting from San Quentin so theres usually 2 sheriffs covering the room and an additional two sheriffs walking around the hospital. Mainly, however, when we need help we have to call the local PD. This hospital isn't very large and like I stated before, it's upscale. Most folks coming in here are anti-violence types and most of the time our biggest worries are that they might hurt themselves or make other patients uncomfortable due to shouting etc. I dunno... it's a paycheck. I'll be going to the academy soon, when I get the REAL badge it will be better.



Definitely training. Your best weapons are the ones you already have and that people can't take away from you. Your arms, your legs, and your brain.
Click to expand...

I'm all for the hands on approach, but all the training in the world doesn't mean a darn out to about 3ft. and beyond.
 
Read my post "Flashlight for self defense"

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=189334

You may find the answer there.

SteveTarani.jpg


black bear
 
Although it will take a little practice and training ( which is available on video, check Palladin Press ) how about a bandana? this is a very deceptive item that can be used to protect against armed and unarmed attacks and lends itself well to submission holds and trapping. It is also easy to explain if anyone even thinks of asking about it, and if you like you can " load " the bandana with something heavy, like handcuffs, and have an impact weapon.

The same techniques would also lend themselves to a belt, and if it happened to have a heavy buckle, maybe with a sharp edege or two...
 
"A 3 D-cell maglight is a major butt whupper. 30,000 cops cant be wrong...again."

Sure they can. That's why I have a 4 cell.

After hefting a wide variety (my nephew has a 3, a buddy of mine has a 6!) I found that the four cell is probably the best compromise between club and walking stick.
 
I won't/can't go into too much detail but the initial report is that it was a robbery gone bad.
Click to expand...

Do they ever go well?

I'm not going to suggest that you get a different job, because it can be difficult to find a good job and I wouldn't so glibly assume you won't be out of work for too long. I was out of work for three months once, only to get a call from a company I had applied for the day after I quit the last job. It turns out they were just processing my application. For twelve weeks. :rolleyes:

If your financial situation is stable, I say put your foot down and tell your boss if he doesn't okay a firearm, you're out the door. No job is worth your life, but you may have to stick with it if the alternative is defaulting on your bills or losing your home.
 
wool over the eyes

I would join "Sam's Club;" I would immediately begin to apply for work at other institutions.

Cynically, or perhaps, realistically, the more likely concern by your employer is one of their in house legal councellor. The lawyer who is concerned over costly law suits. Not so much a patient getting control of your firearm.
The vests and other devices are a distraction so that you may accept them as better than nothing. All the while you safety requirement is being bypassed. Friend, as you read so often here on THR. Only you are, in the final analysis, responsible for your personal safety and life itself.
Please do not make the grave error of classifying this situation into some statistical probability of vague chance. The odds may be small, but the value at risk is all that you have. Nothing less.

You may be there only to observe and report, but the felons who may see your uniform can and will target you as someone to eliminate, if it comes to that. Today's class of criminals are, well, "extreme."

Now, you may decide that the risk is not too great, however, if you do have some violent encounter, and are fortunate to survive, or see the demise of one of your friends or fellow guards; I assure you, then -you will reconsider, and conclude, why didn't I take another approach before it reached this point?

Best wishes to you.
 
I work in a hospital. You might want to consider asking a respitory therapist ( or whoever handles oxygen tanks in your state ) for a "oxygen key" i.e. a piece of metal about 5-6" long usually with cut outs for an "E" size oxygen cylinder ( paramedics are another possibillity as a source ). There are many styles some made of aluminum, plastic, or cast metal. Choose the style you prefer and learn to use it.

It is always good to be able to get oxygen to help a patient. :evil:

NukemJim
 
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