Take this quiz to test your safety knowledge.
1. An assailant points a gun at you and tells you to get in his car. What’s your best option?
- Call 911
- Get into his car quietly and stay calm.
- Run.
2. A patient’s son has been complaining about his father’s care on your unit, and he is becoming increasingly demanding and unreasonable. Even though you quietly reassure him that his father’s well-being is important to you, his body language grows more aggressive. Your best option is to:
- sit down next to him and gently take his hand
- stand erect and maintain eye contact
- position yourself so you’re closest to the door
3. A confident stride in a potential victim scares most would-be assailants. True or false?
Answers:
1. Correct answer: c. Many people fear being shot if they run from someone threatening them with a gun. But the likelihood of an attacker shooting is slim because he knows it will draw attention. What if he does shoot? Law enforcement experts estimate only 4 of 100 shots would hit the intended victim. And even if a bullet hits you, chances are it won’t hit a vital organ. Bottom line—at all costs, avoid being transported to a secondary crime scene.
2. Correct answers: b and c. Maintain a confident posture that doesn’t indicate fear or submission, and don’t allow your exit to be blocked. Don’t sit down; that puts you in a position of submission and vulnerability.
3. False. Although a confident stride is a deterrent, the only thing most assailants fear is getting caught. Gear your actions toward drawing as much attention to your dilemma as possible.
