Stress testing yourself

[dannytsg]

Given the recent events in Paris, I have been thinking that maybe I don't do enough to stress test myself and try to get myself used to a panic/confusion type scenario.

Taking the Bataclan as a perfect example, a small space, filled with many people and as soon as the gunshots started panic and confusion reigned supreme (and understandably so). I now personally feel that a terrorist attack of this nature should be high on my prepping list and I have decided I need to stress test myself. How so?

I used to engage in military simulation exercises as a hobby. Reenactment and Airsoft to be precise. I remember buying and using pyrotechnics in this simulations, sometimes in confined spaces which made things pretty hairy. I've decided it's time to actively engage in it again to try and educate my mind and body on how I respond in this circumstances and to also try to teach myself to be as calm as I can be.

This isn't about trying to be John Rambo, it's about me ensuring that should the SHTF, I give myself the best possible training to be able to make a clear headed decision that could be the difference between life and death for myself and my family.

Have any of you stress tested yourself and if so how and what for?

[Deeps]

Given the recent events in Paris, I have been thinking that maybe I don't do enough to stress test myself and try to get myself used to a panic/confusion type scenario.

Taking the Bataclan as a perfect example, a small space, filled with many people and as soon as the gunshots started panic and confusion reigned supreme (and understandably so). I now personally feel that a terrorist attack of this nature should be high on my prepping list and I have decided I need to stress test myself. How so?

I used to engage in military simulation exercises as a hobby. Reenactment and Airsoft to be precise. I remember buying and using pyrotechnics in this simulations, sometimes in confined spaces which made things pretty hairy. I've decided it's time to actively engage in it again to try and educate my mind and body on how I respond in this circumstances and to also try to teach myself to be as calm as I can be.

This isn't about trying to be John Rambo, it's about me ensuring that should the SHTF, I give myself the best possible training to be able to make a clear headed decision that could be the difference between life and death for myself and my family.

Have any of you stress tested yourself and if so how and what for?

Each to their own Danny but I've no plans to 'stress test' myself for terrorist attacks, its really not on my prepping horizon. Speculation on my part but I would guess the possible benefits would be negligible, there are so many variables and if they're not tossing in a couple of thunderflashes then you might be doing the wrong stress testing. I think you'd be better spending your time and money on something more likely but if you go for it then let us know how you get on.

[digi]

Upon entering a public place, and without realising any more, i scope out emergency exits, large street facing windows, and generally plonk myself down with my back against a wall being able to view as many entrances as possible. One of the natural habits of growing up where pubs were rough and all hell could break loose at the drop of a pint. I now live somewhere miles away from there, a lot quieter but can spot something brewing before it kicks off, so generally leave, if im out that is.

I put myself in extreme situations pretty often, where if you do not react quickly, calmly and correctly, you WILL die. People have died, and suffered severe life changing injuries from things not quite going to plan, but, this SHTF scenario is a world away from a terrorist attack with guns and explosives scenario

Being situationally aware, and possibly a little bit paranoid could help i suppose, especially in crowded public places

[Yorkshire Andy]

Its funny watching how people react to a small fire at work. Many headless chickens who wave shout and do nothing to help . improve the situation ... a couple of have a go hero's who make the situation worse and then me who wanders over and deals with the ensuing mess as per training and past experiences... I did the run with a fire extinguisher trip split my shin and end up in AE years ago ...

Experience in situations does help

[redskies]

After the year I've had, an apocalypse of just about any description sounds quite restful!

[dannytsg]

I'm under no illusion about the multitude of factors of such an event that can lead to either your demise or your saving. I think the benefit is knowing my own reactions under such circumstances and being able to think clearly. Panic and confusion is generally the end goal leading to more casualties and id rather not fall in that category

[sniper 55]

I've seen well trained people panic when they come under effective fire the first time. Training may help some people but theres no sure fire way to tell how a person will actually react when it's for real.
The biggest problem you have is while you may have trained and be able to cope, what happens to the 200 people around you, they'll run over you in the panic more than lightly.
I'd suggest doing the "what if's" What if a gunman comes in that door, how would I leave or take cover, that sort of thing, that and being observant, some of these terror attack type things may show-out before they kick off, people acting strangly, bulky clothes, sweating, nervous looking. Signs something may be about to happen, forwarned is forearmed.

[Yorkshire Andy]

must admit i was very wary out with the mrs on saturday night i was one sat with a view of the street and both doors in the noisy bar..... Vigilance did pay off even after several jars as i stopped one scrote pinching Mrs andy's work mates mobile phone from her bag which was on the bench seating across the table from me ... (didn't say a word to him or throw a punch the fact i stood up staring straight at him was enough . christ im only short and round ... . he put it back in her bag with a rather sullen look on his face and fooked off PDQ)

[Plymtom]

Plymouth has always seen itself as in danger of this sort of thing, indeed we did have a case of one person being radicalized, but he went to Exeter to do the deed, my activities are mainly family shopping and banking type errands and I admit I did have a sense of being more alert and looking around, these monsters are after soft targets which are in abundance in the UK.
I think Danny has a point when it comes to loud bangs, most of us would be shocked to experience the sheer volume of being close to something along the lines of an AK going off in a confined space, because of the short barrels I'm told hand guns are pretty bad too, the sheer concussion of gunfire close up would be incredibly disorientating and most would try and run from the pain of it, but I don't think most of us could prepare by stress testing in this manner, but then I don't get out much socially like the Paris folk targeted on this occasion do, the only activity I do socially I expect would be well down the list of targets for these kinds of things, but what an issue? how to be on your guard whilst relaxing and letting your hair down

[poppypiesdad]

Every time I go to the cash point it's a stress test . Everyone to different situations.