Pdmselfdefense.com

Why Obey Colored Lights Cautiously

2009-07-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

Women beware when traveling alone at night on a ‘lightly-traveled" roadway. It is customarily advised to pull over when signaled by what appears to be a police car.

Police Dispatcher: If you see red and blue lights in your rear view mirror, use your cell phone and call 911. Ask the police dispatcher if there are any patrolling cars on the roadside you are traveling, tonight. Make it clear that you are not trying to elude a police stop.

Tell the police dispatcher that you are going to proceed slowly to a publicly lighted area, before pulling over. Turn on your flashers and keep driving until you get to a well-lit area where there are other people about. After coming to a safe stop, crack your window open about 1 1/2," so you can communicate with the officer through the window. Keep your car doors locked and your hands on the steering wheel and in plain sight.

Then, if you are apprehensive about the authenticity of the police officer(s) identity, request diplomatically to see his/her official photo ID. Ask the officer(s) where they are stationed and what their badge numbers are. Stay on the phone with the police dispatcher during this whole conversation, so that an official recording of the conversation can be recalled later, if need be.

Do not reach towards your "glove box" or console. Wait until the officer(s) asks you for your proof of car insurance and registration. Then politely say that you need to reach into the "glove box or console" for your papers. Be polite and respectful at all times. Please note, that you might get ticketed for failing to heed police commands immediately, but that is better than being possibly harmed.

If a court case becomes necessary, the official police dispatch recording will speak for you as to what your actions were; before, during and after the stop.

Some states have their own emergency roadside telephone numbers, such as *77. In twenty eight states, 911 is the number assigned as the police emergency assistance number. This "designated" number is used to report highway emergency situations, as some of the situations could be classified as "urgent" situations.

If in doubt as to what number to call, go with the 911 emergency number, when an emergency is at hand. It would be prudent and wise to familiarize yourself in advance of traveling through different states as to what that states Highway Notification Numbers are.

Two readily available online websites are:
* www.911dispatch.com/911/mobilenumbers.html

* www.shopoakpark.com/info-cellnumbers.html

Why Self Defense Weapons-Pepper Sprays, Stun Guns-TASERS

2009-06-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

Listed below are some reasons why to acquire self defense weapons.
Women are most often the victim of violent crime. Eighty five to ninety percent of the time, these victims knew their attackers. Human Resource Departments handle sexual harassment complaints 78% time within the workplace. The age group and gender most likely to be targeted is middle age women.

When it comes to disparity among the genders, it is obvious who draws the “short straw.” Let’s take Domestic Violence:

* Women who are convicted of murdering their domestic partner are sentenced to 15 year prison terms.

* Men, on the other hand, receive sentences of only 2-6 year sentences.

* Many of us love our pets very much, including us, but did you know that in1990, there were 3,800 animal shelters in the United States in comparison to only 1,550 Battered Women Shelters in the United States.

All too often Domestic Violence is not adequately tracked or documented by many victimization survey groups. Therefore, the statistics do not provide a comprehensive analysis of the people involved. Two other questions that are not sufficiently addressed are why and how people came to be selected as targets by their assailants.

There are three factors that need to be in place if an accurate and totally encompassing accounting is to express the depth of the maligned criminal’s behavior is to be documented.

1. Every detail of the crime itself needs to be called to remembrance.
The victim needs to be completely aware that the action committed against them was indeed a criminal offense.

2. There must be a “lack of shame” on the part of the victim. There must not be any evidence or hint of “Stockholm Syndrome” involved.

3. Traumatic events have a way of distorting the recollection process, because self preservation and survival instinct becomes the main focus for staying alive.

Unfortunately, a later factor starts to germinate and grow with the victim who has suffered a traumatic episode. One or even repeat occurrences of violence can bring on a mental disorder called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is an anxiety disorder that is likely to develop and grow due to exposure to a terrifying event involving momentous physical harm, experience/implied and lived events.

I know what it is to exist, in an environment so void of compassion, mutual respect, or ordinary acts of human decency. Human kindness was considered weakness, a character flaw. Therefore, it was non-existent. Night time hours were spent in absolute terror.

I spent many a nights in a “state of paralysis” from the chin down, unable to move any limb, I could not even twitch. I could not break the hold of “feeling paralyzed” and wishing only to become invisible.

Being subjected to extreme, day to day physical, emotional, and psychological abuse resulted in the suicide of my brother and the destruction of one sister’s over-all health and the necessity for a second sibling to have to take prescribed anti-depressants for the rest of her life, just to keep the night-mares away and the feelings of unworthiness.

Battered Woman Syndrome:

Battered Woman Syndrome culminates in repeat “cyclical” episodes of severe abuse that is perpetrated against the victim by the out-of-control assailant. Battered Woman Syndrome is not declared until recurring attacks upon the victim are documented. That in itself is a travesty. One severe beating isn’t enough to even be labeled a syndrome.

Another atrocity of this type of “sick-maladjusted” behavior is that a pattern of abuse is now passed from one generation to another. Spousal abuse is followed down the “generational trail” to child abuse to elderly abuse.

In conclusion:
Women need to be pro-active in securing self defense weapons for protection. There are many brands of pepper sprays, stun guns, personal safety alarms, and TASER from which to choose from. Ladies, you are no-body’s punching bag. Take control of your own destiny by leveling the “playing-field” legally.

How to Use Pepper Spray Correctly

2009-06-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

How to Prevent Being Targeted By an Attacker

2009-06-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

Knowing how to prevent being targeted by an attacker can save your life. This article will cover the many aspects of surviving a violent attack, including how to choose a self defense weapon, how to recognize a potentially dangerous situation, and how to prepare for the unexpected.

Defensive Devices: Women need to have on their person some kind of self defense weapon in order to be able to defend themselves. When a woman is empowered with self defense equipment, she can protect herself, her children, and perhaps the man in her life, who is not the abuser.

Encounters: Due to our mobility, the risk of attack is substantially increased. With increased independence, comes the chance of encountering an attacker. I worked at nighttime positions for many years and was fortunate enough to have been threatened twice. On one occasion, because I had commercial cleaning chemicals at my disposal, I was only coerced into giving the perpetrators my money to secure my release. The extortionists demanded bus fare in exchange for my release. The cleaning chemicals in my hands and the honest promise that my male crew would be joining me soon, convinced the three teenage extortionists to accept the $5.00 and to depart.

On another occasion, I was physically assaulted and would have suffered severe injuries, if not possible death at the hands of the assailant had not someone intervened. I was being choked by a man much larger than I. My father knocked the man's hands away from my throat. A sack of empty pop cans almost cost me my life. It would have taken a self defense weapon to save me if it hadn't been for my father.

Confidence Projected: Women in particular need to project an outward sense of confidence in their body language, which should state that they are not easy targets. Making eye contact (not staring), head up, and eyes surveying the territory are but a few ways. Smile when I first meet a stranger. It is a disarming technique. It tells them that you acknowledge their presence.

Prepare for the Unexpected: All too often women become targets because they are distracted with duties such as loading their car with groceries or securing their children into their car seats. Vehicle break-downs are very common times when a woman can become a victim of assault. It is essential for every woman to have an emergency roadside service provider, such as AAA, On Star, Four Star Towing Service, Paragon Motor Club, Roadside Assistance and Allstate Motor Club are but a few examples. I have had AAA Plus Roadside for the last 18 years. This is one subscription I renew religiously, every September.

Personal Awareness: Personal awareness is essential to avoiding criminal encounters. The honest reality is that, the socioeconomic downturn is advancing the rise in person to person altercations. Personal security requires accepting the fact that physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual warfare is a common occurrence. A little paranoia can be a good thing, because good common sense is trying to tell you that you are to be aware and pay attention to the happenings around you. This world is an increasingly hostile place.

Mind Preparation Scenarios: Role playing scenarios within your conscious mind help to prepare the mind to defend itself. Visualize how you would react to an attack within your scenarios. Just as we must prepare ourselves to participate in an athletic event or chess tournament, prepare yourself to action while still in a safe environment.

Trust your (gut instincts/premonitions.) Listen to that "little voice" in your head, that tell you something (or someone) "just doesn't look right." A little stress sharpens our instincts and puts us on full alert.

Criminal Dislikes: Three ingredients criminals hate the most are: lights, people and noise. Criminals do not want to attract attention to their ill-conceived behaviors and actions. Criminals despise attention during the commission of their crimes.

Pro-active Movements: Arrange whenever possible to travel in groups and in lighted open spaces. Night travel requires planning and "light/noise essentials" such as a personal alarm with flashlight or an electronic pocket whistle. Always remember that your first priority is to not place yourself in a dangerous situation in the first place, but with that said, valuables can be replaced but not your life.

Defensive Devices: The main purpose for owning and using stun guns and pepper sprays, is to incapacitate an assailant long for you to escape from the area.

A Child's Innocent Review: When a woman's children are subjected to see their mother repeatedly beaten and/or verbally abused by the man in the house, only then does it motivate her to leave the premises and set up a new life for herself and her children. What really clinches the knowledge that she must get away from the abuse is when her children make the following statements, "I'm sorry mommy, and I don't mean to be so bad".

Conclusion: Practiced emergency drills involving the use of your self defense weapons and, truthful self evaluation of the results is paramount to developing correct habitual action. Victim profiling is all too real. Take heed of how not to "look like a target." I have discussed some techniques above in this article on how not to look so vulnerable.

Exiting a Submerging Vehicle

2009-05-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

Exiting a Submerging Vehicle

Your life and the lives of your household could well depend on your advanced planning. Is that not why we put our family emergency plans on paper and conduct bimonthly mock drills? You know the old saying, "practice makes perfect." No one expects you to practice such emergency drills as escaping from a burning house, drowning, vehicle submerging, home invasion attack, or many other such emergency situations, literally. But mock drills can be staged, to a certain extent, along with discussions, videos, and classes offered by the American Red Cross and other civil service organizations.

Separating Yourself from the Vehicle

Prior planning for exiting a submerging vehicle needs to be in the family "Emergency Action Plan Booklet." Plans are far more likely to come to life when they are written out on paper.

If it becomes apparent that your car is going to be submerged, get out of the car immediately. Try the doors first. If they won't open, try to exit through the windows. Factors that will influence your decision making will depend on the “make” of the car and the circumstances leading up to the watery threat.

Advanced preparation is wise and prudent and can determine whether you survive the incident. If the window or windshield must be broken, the "Auto Emergency Tool" is a better option than your elbow or foot that could be injured while breaking out the glass.

Timing is critical and the decisiveness of your actions requires good foundational planning.

If the water level is below your windows, get out of your vehicle and walk or swim to safety. You should have some degree of buoyancy for a short period of time.

Water pressure against the door might prevent you from opening your door until pressure inside the vehicle has equalized to the pressure outside of the vehicle. Get the windows down immediately and exit the vehicle.

Turn your lights ON so potential helpers can find you.

To prevent being accidentally electrocuted, turn off your car including your stereo, radio, etc.

In deep water a front engine vehicle is likely to tip nose-down, and flip end over end, settling upside down with the wheels pointing towards the surface.

Two Theories about When to Remove your Seat Belt:

1) Before attempting to open windows or doors, unbuckle your seat belt. To prevent being tangled in the seat belt, pay attention to how you disengage the belt buckle and where the strap goes.

2) When the water rushes in through the open window, the force of the water may deploy your airbag. This force could possibly cause momentary disorientation, so wait until the water has filled the interior compartment of the vehicle before unbuckling your seat belt. As the force of the current is rushing into the compartment of the vehicle, you will not be able to successfully fight against the force of the current. You will need to hold your breath as the water covers your head.

Unlock all doors and open the windows. If you must kick out a window use the heels of your feet or something heavy inside the interior of the vehicle, preferably stored under the driver's seat.

If there are passengers in the vehicle, get the front seat passengers out first. *(Remember the nose of the vehicle will usually submerge first. The rear end of the vehicle will be higher in the water than the front end of the vehicle.) Kick off from the side of the car when starting to make your way towards shore, as this will free you from the suction pocket created between the vehicle and the water. The best swimmer should stay behind to rescue children and other passengers.

Air can be trapped inside your jacket or shirt to give you added buoyancy, making it easier for you to assist passengers who cannot float or hold their breath as with infants.

Upon being freed from the vehicle, float or swim with the flow of the water to shore. Do not fight the current. Move with the current as you proceed toward the shore. (Down-stream and horizontally to shore) Upon reaching shore, go for help, but keep oriented to your location.

Remain Calm - (by controlling how fast you're breathing, you will be able to focus better.) An air pocket near the roof of the vehicle will hold air for a time. Keep your head up and your face in the air pocket and breathe normally.

Summary:

A few tools need to be kept inside the interior compartment of your vehicle at all times, preferably under the driver's seat.

If your vehicle enters shallow water - (water below window level) then walk or swim away from the vehicle.

If your vehicle submerges - prepare by freeing yourself from the seat belt. If the windows are down, and you are free of the seat belt, wait for a moment until the water stops gushing in. Keep your face close to the roof of the car in the air pocket. When the water has filled the interior compartment, take a breath and swim out the window and to the surface. Then swim with the current diagonally to shore.

Follow the steps described above for evacuating all passengers from a submerged vehicle.

Be Prepared in Advance and Stay Calm.

Slingshot Development (Toy to History)

2009-05-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

Slingshot History

As far as history is concerned it appears that the birth of the slingshot occurred in Russia. "Rogatka" means slingshot in Russian. The root word being "rog", means "horn". The "Rogatka," was a smaller simpler version of the slingshot. In "Ancient Rus" a larger heavier implement of war was referred to as a "rogatina, according to [Jack H. Koehler, Slingshot Shooting, Sling Publishing. Isbn=0.9765311-00].

The availability of vulcanized rubber was used in the construction of the classic form of slingshots. Tire inner tube provided the most common source of rubber tubing. If this theory is accurate, then slingshots were probably not constructed before 1888. Many people considered a slingshot to be a child's toy, up until the end of WWII. The first slingshots were constructed from the fork of a tree branch. As it turns out the wood from a Dogwood tree made an ideal wood source for the construction of slingshots. The red rubber inner tubes were superior to the later model black inner tubes because the red rubber was more elastic. Now, rubber compositions involve synthetics.

The Wham-O, company in 1949 produced the first sophisticated modern slingshots, which featured the first wrist-braced slash slingshot.

During the winter of 1953 a family named Ellengurg invented the wrist-braced slingshot/catapult. This simple but functional version of the slingshot incorporated the use of the bumper from a 1946 Willes, Jeep, as a work bench. Next, a dog collar was fashioned into a brace for the wrist. The pioneering genius of the slingshot can be documented with the major role that Howard Ellenburg and sons provided.

Saunders "Wrist-Rockets" were introduced in 1954. This high velocity, high accuracy slingshots have also changed to include such features as the self-centering ammo pouch, matched power bands, wear-reducing prongs and guidance collars."

Inexpensive beginner slingshots are still made for the fork in a tree branch, an inner tube with a piece leather for an ammo pouch. Commercial model slingshots have become quite sophisticated and powerful.

Today, slingshot design and materials are stored away from sunlight, and underwater to keep the rubber from stiffening and cracking. If the rubber is not preserved in this fashion, then a loss of elasticity properties is compromised. Metal rod frames with wrist- braces are to reduce or prevent hand and wrist injuries and enhance the sighting mechanism's capability. This way accuracy is greatly increased.

The Trumark recoil stabilizer can be attached and removed as required. Trumark's first version included a metal brace wrapped around the bottom of hand and was "locked" into place over the top of the wrist. Recoil action had to be diminished, so a plan was derived to add a recoil pad to prevent the wrist from snapping. This is how the Howard's "Wrist-Lockers" came into existence. Much of the work that went into creating and building the Howard's Wrist-Lockers" was performed in an old abandoned beer hall, which became their workplace of operation. The town where the construction of the "Wrist-Lockers" was conducted in the small town of Duncan, Nebraska. The first distributor of these ingenious devices was a company called Dura-Pak, located in Sioux City, Iowa. Catapults are still manufactured and sold around the world today, fifty -six years after their inception. The basic ideas and principles first generated by Trumark during the early fifties are still used today. The Trumark Wrist-Braced slingshot was the first in America. Trumark slingshots are the only slingshots made in America to this day.

The most widely used ammo used is 1/2" steel shot. The qualifying features include: The fixed padded arm braces, a solid lightweight aluminum frame, and split leather pouch, makes up the body of the slingshot. Latex Rubber Tubing surgical tubing is used because of it high velocity properties.

Laws governing the shipment of the slingshot need to be adhered to. Slingshots cannot be shipped to Massachusetts, New Jersey or New York.

Safety glasses are highly recommended when using slingshots.

Written by: Penny D. Montague

Bike Light Education Program

2009-05-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

As part of their ongoing Eye to Eye campaign, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) and the Traffic Division of the Portland Police Bureau have partnered up on an effort to increase awareness of using and being more visible while riding. Their efforts build on a history of bike light advocacy here in Portland that started over three years ago.

According to a press release issued this morning, the BTA will kick off the project tomorrow with an event at the “Seven Corners” intersection (SE Division, SE Ladd, and SE 20th). They’ll be serving “mocktails” (non-alcoholic beverages) and giving cyclists information about lights and visibility.

That event will be followed by a series of “targeted education and enforcement actions” by the Police Bureau. The actions are slated to begin next week and the plan is for police officers to educate non-lit cyclists about light laws, pass out safety information, and install free lights (thanks to an ODOT grant) when necessary. Get a light!

After the freebies and warnings, the police will start ticketing riders for violating Oregon’s bike light law.

In case you’re wondering how to avoid a $90 ticket. Here’s what ORS 815.280 says about bike lights:

“a bicycle or its rider must be equipped with lighting equipment during limited visibility conditions… (that) must show a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front of the bicycle… (and) a red reflector or lighting device… visible from all distances up to 600 feet to the rear…”

Giving away free bike lights to visibility-challenged cyclists has a long and proud tradition in Portland.

In the summer of 2005, with support from Shift and grants from the Community Cycling Center and ODOT, local citizen activist Jeff Bernards launched Get Lit!” Bernards would set up at random locations and pass out free sets of lights to anyone in need. Bernards’ dedication garnered him an Alice B. Toeclips award and he eventually passed the torch to the Community Cycling Center (who still runs the program to this day).

Bernards’ Get Lit! concept has inspired similar programs in other cities including Missoula, Montana and Sacramento, California.

It’s been over three years since the first time the Portland Police Bureau handed out free bike lights. That program was hailed as a success and even resulted in then Traffic Division Commander Bill Sinnott getting national airtime on CBS News.

Rules of the Road for Bicycle Safety

2009-05-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

05/16/09

Rules of the Road for Safe Bicycling
Bicycle riding is fun but as with all fun, comes responsibilities, also!
There is a portion of the populations' bicycle riders who choose not to accept or are uninformed that their two wheeled "pedal" form of transportation is also governed by the same laws that pertain to motorized vehicles.

All bicycle riders regardless of age should be required to submit to a written test and "test ride". Those who pass are to be issued a bicycle license. Automobile drivers, truck drivers, motorcycle riders have to pass tests to be licensed. People operating boats should be mandated to prove their worthiness of skill and knowledge to operate their chosen vehicle. Far too many people are uninformed of the traffic laws, responsibilities and expectations of them to be consistently safe drivers of their chosen vehicle (s). Bicycle riders who ride on the public streets need to take and pass a written test and "Riders Test Drive". Ignorance of the laws is no excuse for unsafe conduct when other lives are at stake, also. Potential riders need to know the “Rules of the Road”. This substantially important factor would help lower accidents, injuries and bicycle deaths on the road ways.

If all people who are licensed automobile drivers were required to be mandated to successfully complete a Bicycle Safety Awareness course, in order to renew their driver’s license, then maybe the two groups of drivers would start to share the road, diplomatically. Both parties need to know without a doubt, what is expected of each other? Bicycles are vehicles and need to be operated responsibly. Both sets of drivers need to be informed motorists.

Highly visible safety clothing needs to be worn by all riders. Safety equipment such as (front, back and pedal reflectors).

Automobiles and motorized two wheel vehicles must have operational front and rear lights. Furthermore, two wheeled pedal vehicles need to be equipped with functioning front and rear bicycle lights. Remember when person rides on the public streets, they are a “driver” and they need to possess and maintain the mentality of safety first!

Some basic guidelines that need to be attended to at all times are:
* Size wise, learn how to be fitted for your bike. Check with your local bike shop, they will be happy to help you decide what size bike you should be operating.
* Check the tires for ware and tear and for recommended tire pressure.
* Check the brakes for ware and tear and stopping power each time before starting out on your bike.
* Children should be restricted to ride on the sidewalk until they can demonstrate a safe responsible and informed pattern of riding. This includes knowledge of and practice of vehicle safety rules. By the age of 9 years, a person will have developed a level of understanding of basic rules of the road.
* Traffic into and out of driveways, sidewalks, alleys, or parking lots, are locations where every driver needs to come to a complete stop before proceeding.
*Stop, before entering these areas and always look and listen for other vehicle modes of transportation.

Just as automobiles and motorcycles drive on the right side of the road, bicycles by law, are mandated to be driven on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic. Stopping at all red lights and stop signs is a fundamental traffic law that is far too often violated. Children need to be taught to walk their bikes through busy intersections for their own safety. Far too many drivers fail to look back over their shoulder to check for oncoming traffic before proceeding to turn left at intersections.

One Way street traffic means, everyone is to travel in the same line of direction on the street.

The art of hand signaling needs a dramatic reentry into people’s driving consciousness. Use the left arm only when signally. Furthermore, the driver should do the signally not the passenger. A horizontally directed left arm extension, signals a left turn. For signaling a right turn, the left arm of the driver should extend horizontally from the shoulder with the elbow bent upwards at a 90 degree angle. Just as automobiles are mandated to signal one hundred feet before turning, so are cyclists. Motorcyclists and bicyclists need to ride in a single file formation for their own protection and not to impede traffic. Riding “double” on bicycles designed for one is asking for trouble, (except for approved baby seats).

Oregon law regarding front and rear bicycle light states: that "either the bicycle or its rider must be equipped with lighting equipment during limited visibility conditions (that) must show a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front of the bicycle..(and) a red reflector or lighting device visible from all distances up to 600 feet to the rear". Violation of Oregon's law: ORS 815.280 regarding will cost you a $90.00 ticket.

The following activities really need their participants to wear protective gear such as helmets every time out: roller skaters, skateboarders, roller bladders, motorcyclists, and bicyclists.

Written by: Penny D. Montague

The Sling Shot Man

2009-05-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

TASER Gun Saves Another Life

2009-05-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

April 26, 2009
Taser Gun Stops a Criminal and Saves Another Man’s Life
When it comes down to it, a lot of people just aren’t smart. When will people learn that crime and violence just doesn’t pay? About the only thing that criminals get paid, if they’re lucky, is a shock from a Taser gun.

A man from Ohio named Michael Carver was recently arrested on charges of robbery, resisting arrest, and assaulting an officer of the law. This only happened after a car chase and Carver fleeing on foot. When he left his car and started to run, a local police officer fired his Taser gun at Carver. It struck him and incapacitated him, enabling the officer to place him under arrest. While Michael Carver was a blatant criminal, another man in Chicago wasn’t exactly a criminal. While his behavior was dangerous to himself and to others, he wasn’t technically a criminal. But nonetheless, a Taser was in order for use and it actually saved his life.

The Chicago man had been cutting himself with glass, apparently out of severe depression and mental stress. His behavior was both violent and erratic. When the police tried to calm him down, he continued to act in a violent way. The police wanted to help, but his behavior made it difficult for them to subdue his violence.
One of the officers pulled his Taser gun out and warned the man what he was about to do. The man didn’t change his behavior and he was stunned with the Taser gun. He was then taken to a hospital and checked into a mental health facility.

These stories are great examples of how Taser guns can stop criminals and save the lives of civilians. They are much better options to guns in many instances.

Nanny Cam Saves Childrens' Lives

2009-05-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Lindsay Addison invested in a hidden nanny camera to see her children while she was hard at work. Never suspecting her hired nanny, Addison merely missed her kids and thought she would enjoy getting to see them via the web using her hidden nanny camera.

After an intensive search online for a nanny, she found someone with experience and extensive references. The nanny she hired even had her own child that she brought to work with her. Who better to watch your children than a fellow mother? This was the thinking behind Addison’s researched decision to hire her new nanny for her new twin boys, Gavin and Bryce.

Knowing her boys were safe at home, Addison returned to work and back to life. Missing her time with her children was hard for her, but she had put them in trusting hands. Or so she thought.

Addison wanted to see her children, but thought maybe that her nanny wasn’t doing the things around the house that she had asked of her. The last thing Addison expected to see was her nanny mistreating the children. Addison describes the horrible images she saw in an interview with WRAL, a CBS affiliate for Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Fayetteville, North Carolina, “She would just grab them by where their shirt or where their buttons or zippers are, and pick them up like bales of hay or puppies or kittens, with no care how she was doing it, and sling them on the sofa.”

In watching more of the video, Addison was shocked. Addison describes to WRAL, a particularly hard to watch scene, “She was, at one point, holding Bryce up on her chest, but was too concerned with what was on the television and changing the channel. When he fell off her chest, she didn’t pick him up right away,” Addison said. “And then, she went and held him upside down, which, to me, is just not how you should hold a baby.”

Addison’s story had to be told. Mothers everywhere should know that the easy to use technology of nanny cams can create a system of surveillance in your home when you’re not there. As much as it would be nice to trust a nanny with your children without question, it’s just plain scary. With spy cams you can take the fear out of this scenario. If parents can afford to hire a nanny, they most likely can afford the technology to check up on their nanny as well. With prices dropping, and technology so simple and easy to use, take Addison’s advice and invest in these hidden nanny cams. She was lucky enough to find this technology in time, but what if she hadn’t?

Parents won’t always find that their nanny is harming their child, but they’ll be able to reassure themselves with actual proof that the nanny is safe for their child.
(Information about Addison’s story was available through WRAL’s website and the link to her story can be found at http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/2465417/)

Sterring Wheel Alarm and Remote

2009-05-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

2009-05-11T23:22:00.001-07:00

Pool Safety

2009-05-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

Paintball Game Etiquette

2009-05-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

Basic Safety Rules
Simple things to do to keep paintball fun and injury-free.

By David Muhlestein, About.com
See More About:

* paintball rules
* paintball safety
* paintball basics

When a game is being played, wear your mask at all times. Do not remove your mask in the dead zone if the dead zone is within range of the field. There are no exceptions to this rule. Keep masks on until barrel plugs have been placed back on all loaded guns. Remember that most severe paintball injuries occur because someone removed their mask at an inappropriate time.

Do Not Drink and Play
If you are under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medicine, DO NOT PLAY PAINTBALL. Keep things safe and only play if you are fully coherent.

No Blind Firing
Do not fire if you can't see what you are firing at. Many players are tempted to stick their paintball guns out and fire without looking, but avoid this. Blind firing can lead to accidentally shooting players who are leaving the field, referees, or other things you shouldn't shoot.

Surrenders
Close-range shots are considerably more painful than shots from a distance and it is customary to offer a surrender to any opposing player within twenty feet. Many fields require players to accept surrender if another player has come within twenty feet and has a shot on them.

Shoot Less Than 300 FPS
Keep paintball gun velocities under 300 (and generally under 280)feet per second (FPS). Gun speeds can be timed with a paintball chronograph (available to use at most pro shops), and should be carefully monitored. A paintball that travels at 280 FPS can cause small bruises, while a paintball that travels faster can cause significantly more damage including severe welts and broken skin.

Use Barrel Plugs
Whenever masks are not being worn, all paintball guns should be blocked with a barrel plug or barrel sock. Safeties are good and should be used, but they often fail or are not properly used, and a physical protection from wayward paintballs is a must. Unless everyone has a mask on, do not take out your barrel plugs.

Common Sense
Most problems can be avoided if you just use common sense. Don't shoot private property. Don't shoot out of a moving vehicle. Don't look down the barrel of a loaded paintball gun. Don't shoot yourself, etc. If you ever wonder if something might be a good idea, it's not.

Don't Take Off Your Mask Until the Game is Over
This has already been said, but needs repeating: "DO NOT REMOVE YOUR MASK WHILE A GAME IS STILL BEING PLAYED! Most severe injuries can be avoided if players simply keep their masks on." More Paintball Gun Quick Tips

Related Articles
* Paintball Equipment - Necessary Equipment to Play Paintball
* Top 9 Pieces of Equipment for a Scenario Game
* Barrel Sock/Barrel Plug - Paintball Barrel Sock/Barrel Plug
* About.com Paintball: Most Popular Articles
* Beginner's Guide

David Muhlestein

Bear Pepper Spray Saves a Life

2009-05-08T22:04:00.001-07:00

BEAR ATTACKS & the VALUE of PEPPER SPRAY

Mountain Return Home

TLB Featured Article

BEAR ATTACKS & the VALUE of PEPPER SPRAY

( submitted by Scott )

I was attacked by a black bear (trash bear) last summer in Yosemite. I can tell you that pepper spray works and saved my arse. I believe that I owe my life to pepper spray. Sure, it's not foolproof and as they say its not 'brains in a can' but it beats trying to fight him with your bare hands.

Carry it ready to go on your hip in a holster - mine is from the UDAP company. It points forward so it can even be fired from the hip without taking it out. I like shotguns but the rangers in National Parks aren't keen on them and they're too heavy. Save the Mossberg for turkey season.

I believe that black bears anywhere are not much of a threat. I've had two encounters with them while hiking here in Colorado, including surprising a sow and cub, and in both instances the bears simply moved on, unconcerned about me. I have also come home to find one bear destroying my gas grill (I live in the mountains) which ran away when I yelled at it.

That said, black bears in the Sierras, especially Yosemite and Mt. Whitney National parks, are an entirely different story. They are completely habituated to humans and human food and show no fear whatsoever of us. I think it's foolish to camp in the back-country of these areas without carrying pepper spray.

THE STORY

We were camped a few miles from Little Yosemite Valley when my friend and I were awakened in the middle of the night by a bear getting into our food, which had been counterbalanced in a nearby tree (our first mistake - we should have been using canisters because nothing else works). It was sitting on the branch literally pulling up the bags of food by pulling the rope hand, er, paw over paw. We tried everything to scare it away - yelling, throwing rocks, shining flashlights in its eyes. The bear, which had a red tag in it's ear signifying it was a problem bear, ignored us the whole time. I guess I got pissed off and had the bright idea to hit the food bags with a rock to knock them off the branch. At that point, the bear turned and hissed (like a cat) at us and promptly ran down the tree hitting the ground running at us.

I managed to spray the bear, hitting it square in the face at 6 feet in full charge. He was repelled instantly, retreated about 10 feet, charged again and was stopped again when I sprayed him in the face.

But, wait, there's more! We retrieved the food, got back to camp and started a big fire. Why? That bear wouldn't leave the area, pacing back and forth at about 50 feet from us. Also, probably due to the commotion we had created, we began hearing noises elsewhere in the woods surrounding us. Shining our flashlights into the woods we counted three other bears, all within 50 feet. Two of them even began fighting one another, presumably over the rights to our food. At that point, another frightened camper came running up the trail warning us about three bears that had just raided his site. Admitting defeat, we packed up camp and the three of us hiked for three hours in the middle of the night by flashlight to escape. And, yes, we were followed by them for part of the way.

We made it to Tuolomne Meadows the next day and rented canisters. We also told the story to a ranger who indicated (in a roundabout way) that that bear would have to be destroyed. Later on that same trip, I talked to a ranger near Red's Meadow who said a woman was attacked in her tent. I also talked to many other campers who had bears in their camps going after their food. Several of them were using Ursacks which proved useless against those bears. I know this was one extreme encounter and this isn't meant to scare anyone away from Yosemite or to exaggerate the chances of a bear encounter there, but this is definitely one neck of the woods you should consider bringing along some pepper spray and using a food canister (which is going to be required now to get a back-country permit).

So there you have it! By the way, if you should ever have to spray a bear, move well way, even if it's in the middle of the night. If it comes back, the bear spray is likely to have less effect on it.

Thanks for letting me tell my story!

Scott

Future Weapons TASER

2009-05-07T16:57:00.001-07:00

C2 TASER video

2009-05-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Need For Pool Alarms

2009-05-07T13:01:00.001-07:00

The Need for Pool Alarms

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children below the age of 5 in this country. For every child that dies as a result of drowning, there are approximately 3 children admitted to hospital as a result of a water incident. Studies show that between 5% and 20% of these children have some form of brain damage as a result, as irreversible brain damage begins to occur within 3-4 minutes after a person stops breathing.

The toddler drowning figures have long been considered a national disgrace. Children can drown in pools, baths, ponds, spas and even in buckets and toilets, although the majority of toddler drownings occur in swimming pools.

In order to reduce the risk of drowning, the message to parents has always been - and must always be - that supervision is the key to drowning prevention. Australian water-safety experts also advise all homeowners to install a fence around their pool, teach their children to swim and learn resuscitation techniques.

But can we do more to protect our precious children? In spite of our best efforts, accidents continue to happen and lives continue to be lost.

The problem is simply that drowning occurs very quickly and quietly. Even a momentary lapse of supervision, for example if a parent is momentarily distracted by another child, can lead to tragedy. The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission, reflecting their changing attitude towards the concept that supervision will prevent all drownings, stated after a study on childhood drownings: "Supervision Can and Does Fail".

In addition, a recent survey by The Australian Consumers' Association (ACA), publisher of CHOICE magazines, found that over half of all Australian pool fences tested failed to meet a key safety aspect of the Australian standard for pool fencing.

It is clear that to reduce the risk as much as possible, a layered approach to drowning prevention must be brought to bear.

Technology can assist in the fight against toddler drowning. In recent years there has been a huge increase in the demand for swimming pool alarms in the USA and Europe. While no product can ever take the place of constant adult supervision around water, pool alarms offer an additional layer of protection to further reduce the possibility of drowning. If a child somehow manages to get past a parent and reach the water, the alarm will sound in time to prevent a tragedy. As part of an overall approach to drowning prevention, pool alarms have a very real role to play.

Pool alarms are available in different forms, each with their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some alarm whenever anyone enters the pool area, while others only sound when a child falls into the water. For an alarm to be effective, it must not only be reliable, but must also not false alarm, as repeated false alarms would cause the homeowner to eventually disconnect the alarm, rendering it useless.

Pool Alarms have been tested quite extensively in the USA and are now widely considered to be an effective drowning prevention measure. Pool alarms have saved the lives of many children (and pets) around the world and should be considered by anyone seriously concerned about pool safety.

In a perfect world, sophisticated pool alarms would not be necessary in the fight against toddler drowning, as supervision and pool fencing would be sufficient to prevent these tragedies. Unfortunately the world we live in is far from perfect. Our traditional methods of drowning prevention, while helping to save lives, simply do not go far enough.

Drowning occurs quickly. A parent that is carefully observing his or her child can be momentarily distracted by a ringing phone or by another child and in this short period a toddler can drown. When a child stops breathing, irreversible brain damage begins to occur within 3 to 4 minutes, so rapid action is required if a life is to be saved. The loud shrieking of a pool alarm might be the last sound a parent wants to hear, but it could be all that stands between life and death should a child fall somehow get past a parent and make it into the water.

A multi-layered approach to drowning prevention is the best way to bring down the toddler drowning figures in Australia and pool alarms should clearly form a part of this multi-layered approach.

Legislation on Paintball Guns

2009-05-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

Topic:
AGE OF MAJORITY; FIREARMS; LEGISLATION; RECREATION (GENERAL); RETAIL TRADE; WEAPONS;
Location:
RECREATION; WEAPONS - FIREARMS;


October 24, 2008		2008-R-0571
LEGISLATION ON PAINTBALL GUNS

By: Christopher Reinhart, Senior Attorney

You asked for information on legislation regulating paintball guns in other states and proposals in Connecticut.

SUMMARY

We found eight states with statutes that regulate paintball guns or paintball activities. The laws in these states regulate paintball in a number of ways.

1. Three states regulate sales to and possession by minors (Illinois for minors under age 13 and New Hampshire and Rhode Island for minors under age 18. ).

2. Two states permit towns to adopt ordinances related to paintball guns (Delaware only authorizes Wilmington to do so but Virginia authorizes all local authorities to do so. )

3. Illinois prohibits using a paintball gun from or across a street, sidewalk, road, highway, public land, or public place except on a safely constructed target range.

4. Pennsylvania prohibits using a paintball gun against someone who is not participating in a paintball game or activity.

5. Pennsylvania imposes requirements on transporting paintball guns in vehicles.

6. Pennsylvania imposes a criminal penalty for causing property damage with a paintball gun.

7. New Hampshire allows schools to expel students for possessing a paintball gun.

8. Two states limit government liability if a government entity allows paintball on its property (Florida and Texas).

9. Delaware designates paintball as an agritourism activity allowed on farms.

Paintball guns may also be regulated in some states if they fit under a state's definition of a “weapon” or a similar term. Laws regulating the sale, possession, use, or transportation of “weapons” may apply to paintball guns in those states. For example, in two cases where minors improperly used paintball guns to cause damage to persons and property, respectively, courts held that paintball guns are weapons. A New York Supreme Court judge ruled that a paintball gun that used a carbon dioxide cartridge was an “air-gun” within the meaning of the state's Penal Law, and held a teen and his parents liable for injuries to another child caused by the gun's misuse (Danielle A. v. Christopher P. , 776 N. Y. S. 2d 226 (2/13/04)). In State of New Jersey, in the Interest of G. C. , 846 A. 2d 1222 (2004), the court found that a paintball gun used to damage an unoccupied parked car was a weapon under that state's law making it illegal for minors to possess weapons.

Since 2002, six bills in Connecticut addressed paintball guns but none have become law. These proposals addressed using a motor vehicle to engage in paintball, prohibiting children from shooting paintball at or near a home or vehicle, excluding paintball guns from the definition of “firearm” in the penal code, and using or possessing non-biodegradable paintball pellets or projectiles on public property.

PAINTBALL STATUTES IN OTHER STATES

Delaware

Town Ordinances. Delaware law generally prohibits towns from enacting laws regulating firearms. But it specifically permits Wilmington to enact a law or ordinance on possessing or concealing paintball guns as necessary to protect public safety (22 Del. C. § 111)

Agritourism. Effective July 21, 2008, Delaware provides that agritourism activities, which include paintball, may be allowed on farms of 10 or more acres subject to certain provisions (9 Del. C. § 306)

Florida

Government Liability. A Florida law:

1. encourages government owners or lessees of property to make land available to the public for paintball, among other things;

2. recognizes that government owners or lessees have failed to make property available for these activities because of the exposure to liability and the cost of insurance, if available; and

3. recognizes that risks and dangers are inherent in these activities, which should be assumed by the participants.

The law does not grant authority or permission to engage in these activities unless a government entity specifically designates land for use. The government entity must post a rule in each designated area identifying authorized activities and indicating that a child under age 17 cannot engage in the activities until the entity has written consent, in an acceptable form, from the child's parents or legal guardians.

A government entity or public employee is not liable to anyone who voluntarily participates in paintball for damage or injury to people or property from participating in the activity in a designated area. This does not limit liability that would otherwise exist for:

1. failing to guard against or warn of a dangerous condition which a participant does not and cannot reasonably be expected to have notice;

2. gross negligence by the government entity or public employee that is the proximate cause of the injury; or

3. the government entity's failure to obtain written consent from the parents or legal guardians of a child under age 17 before authorizing the child to participate, unless the child's participation violates posted rules.

The law does not create a duty of care or basis of liability for death, personal injury, or damage to personal property and does not waive sovereign immunity. It does not limit the liability of an independent concessionaire or a person or organization (other than a government entity or public employee) for injuries or damages suffered as a result of their operating paintball equipment on public property, regardless of whether the person or organization has a contractual relationship with a government entity to use the public property. Anyone who participates or assists in paintball assumes the known and unknown inherent risks in these activities and is legally responsible for all damages, injury, or death to himself, herself, or other persons or property which result from these activities. Anyone who observes paintball activities also assumes the known and unknown inherent risks in these activities and is legally responsible for all damages, injury, or death to himself or herself which result from these activities. A government entity that sponsors, allows, or permits paintball on its property is not required to eliminate, alter, or control the inherent risks in these activities.

While engaged in paintball, irrespective of where such activities occur, a participant is responsible for:

1. acting within the limits of his or her ability and the purpose and design of the equipment used;

2. maintaining control of himself or herself and the equipment used; and

3. refraining from acting in a manner that may cause or contribute to death or injury of himself, herself, or others.

Failing to comply with these requirements is negligence.

If a government entity carries insurance that covers any of these acts, it does not waive the protections of the law (Fla. Stat. § 316. 0085).

Illinois

Sale to and Use By Minors. Illinois law includes paintball guns under the definition of “air rifles” and regulates their sale to and possession by minors under age 13.

The law prohibits a dealer from selling, lending, renting, giving, or otherwise transferring an air rifle to someone under age 13 when the dealer knows or believes the person is under 13 or the dealer does not make a reasonable inquiry into the person's age. It also prohibits anyone else from selling, giving, lending or otherwise transferring an air rifle to someone under age 13 except for the child's parent, guardian, or adult instructor or someone who legally stands in place of the minor's parents.

Someone under age 13 cannot carry an air rifle on public streets or public land unless it is unloaded. Someone under age 13 can only possess an air rifle if:

1. it is kept within his or her house of residence or other private enclosure;

2. he or she is an enrolled member of a club, team, or society organized for educational purposes that maintains or has written permission to use a rifle range under the supervision, guidance, and instruction of a responsible adult and the air rifle is actually used in connection with the activities and under adult supervision; or

3. it is used in or on private grounds or a residence and it is used in a way that does not endanger people or property and that prevents the projectile from passing over any place outside the limits of the grounds or residence.

The law does not prohibit sales (1) by wholesalers, (2) for shipment out-of-state, or (3) for target ranges as provided by the act or for military or veterans' organizations.

State police, sheriffs, and police officers must seize, at the owner's expense, an air rifle sold or used in a way that violates these provisions. Dealers who violate these provisions commit a petty offense, which is subject to a fine of up to $ 1,000. Anyone who violates any other provision commits a petty offense and must pay a fine of up to $ 50.

The law does not invalidate any town ordinance with greater restrictions or limits on sales, purchases, use, or possession of air rifles (720 ILCS 535/1 et seq. ).

Where Air Rifles Cannot Be Used. The law prohibits discharging an air rifle from or across a street, sidewalk, road, highway, public land, or public place except on a safely constructed target range. The same penalties listed about apply to this provision (720 ILCS 535/1 et seq. ).

New Hampshire

School Expulsion. New Hampshire allows local school boards to expel a pupil for possessing a paintball gun (RSA 193: 13).

Sale to and Use By Minors. The law makes it a violation to sell, rent, or give a paintball gun to someone under age 18 without the written consent of the person's parent or guardian. Someone under age 18 can only use a paintball gun at home under parental supervision or on an approved range under responsible adult supervision. Someone under age 18 can only possess a paintball gun at home under parental supervision or on the way to or from an approved range that is under the supervision of a responsible adult such as an instructor in gun safety or marksmanship (RSA 644: 14).

Pennsylvania

Carrying in Vehicles and Use Against Non-Players. Pennsylvania law prohibits someone from carrying a paintball gun or paintball marker in a vehicle on a highway unless:

1. it is empty of encapsulated gelatin paintballs;

2. the propellant source on the paintball gun or paintball marker is disconnected, disabled, or turned off;

3. the paintballs are stored in a separate and closed container; and

4. the paintball gun or paintball marker is in a secure wrapper, has a barrel-blocking device, or is not readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

This does not apply to a commercial paintball field, range, or course where passengers are transported by the operator to and from designated player areas.

An individual cannot discharge or fire a paintball gun or paintball marker at a person who is not participating in paintball games or paintball-related recreational activities.

A violation is a summary offense punishable by up to 90 days in prison, a fine of up to $ 300, or both (18 Pa. C. S. § 2707. 2).

Causing Property Damage. It is criminal mischief if a person intentionally defaces personal, private, or public property by discharging a paintball gun or paintball marker at that property. This crime is a:

1. felony of the third degree if the actor intentionally causes (a) pecuniary loss in excess of $ 5,000 or (b) a substantial interruption or impairment of public communication; transportation; supply of water, gas or power; or other public service (punishable by up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to $ 15,000, or both);

2. misdemeanor of the second degree if the actor intentionally causes pecuniary loss in excess of $ 1,000 (punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $ 5,000, or both);

3. misdemeanor of the third degree if the actor intentionally or recklessly causes pecuniary loss in excess of $ 500 (punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $ 2,500, or both); or

4. summary offense (punishable by up to 90 days in prison, a fine of up to $ 300, or both) (18 Pa. C. S. § 3304).

Rhode Island

Sale to Minors. Rhode Island prohibits selling paintball guns to someone under age 18 without the written authorization of the minor's parent or legal guardian. Violations are subject to one to five years in prison, fines of $ 1,000 to $ 3,000, or both and the weapons are confiscated (Gen. Laws § 11-47-42).

Texas

Government Liability. Texas law limits the liability of a government unit that allows paintball activities on premises it owns, operates, or maintains. It also requires posting a warning sign (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 75. 002).

Virginia

Local Ordinances. Virginia allows its counties, cities, and towns to regulate “pneumatic guns” which include paintball guns. A locality can adopt an ordinance to prohibit the shooting of pneumatic guns in any area that is so heavily populated that it is dangerous to inhabitants and can require a parent, guardian, or other adult approved by a parent or guardian to supervise a minor under the age of 16 in use of pneumatic guns on private or public property. The ordinance can specify that minors above 16 can, with a parent's or guardian's written consent, use a pneumatic gun at any place designated for use by the local governing body or on private property with the owner's consent. The ordinance can specify that a minor is responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions on use. Any penalty set by an ordinance cannot exceed a Class 3 misdemeanor (punishable by a fine of up to $ 500).

An ordinance cannot prohibit use of pneumatic guns at shooting ranges or other property where firearms may be discharged.

A parent, guardian, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps instructor, or certified instructor must directly supervise training minors in using pneumatic guns. Minors over 16 can be trained without direct supervision if approved by the minor's instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency with a certification program, a service of the Department of Defense, or a person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

The law authorizes the creation and operation of commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns for recreational use. Participants must be given equipment to protect the face and ears and signs must warn against entering the paintball area unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use (Va. Code § 15. 2-915. 4).

CONNECTICUT PROPOSED BILLS

Since 2002, six bills in Connecticut addressed paintball guns but none have become law. One proposal, introduced in three session, would have required a three-month driver's license suspension and 120 hours of community service for someone who uses a motor vehicle to engage in paintball. This proposal was introduced in 2003 (Proposed Bill 5851), 2005 (Proposed Bill 5117), and 2007 (Proposed Bill 5087). It received a public hearing in 2005 and 2007 but no further action. A bill in 2005 (Proposed Bill 5483) would have prohibited children from shooting paintballs at or near a home or vehicle. Another bill in 2005 (SB 1133) would have amended the definition of “firearm” in the penal code to exclude paintball guns but this provision was not included in the version of the bill that became law. A 2008 bill (SB 626) would have made it an infraction to use or possess a paintball pellet or projectile on state or municipal property unless it was biodegradable. This bill received a public hearing but no further action.

CR: ts

The Need For Training in "Baby and Small Children" CPR

2009-05-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Need For Training

In a medical emergency, having someone immediately available with basic first-aid training can often make the difference between life and death. When the brain is starved of oxygen, for example due to a choking or drowning, irreversible brain damage begins to occur within as little as 3-4 minutes. In such a situation, every minute counts and prompt first-aid action can often help save a life.

Each day in Australia approximately 5000 children need medical attention, 200 are admitted to hospital and one child dies - all as a result of unintentional injuries.

It is therefore essential that parents of babies and small children know what to do if they suddenly find themselves faced with a medical emergency.

Save-A-Child CPR and First-Aid Course

Standard medical courses generally cover only adult first-aid with perhaps a small demonstration of childhood emergencies at the end of the course, which is a problem as adults are treated quite differently to babies and small children.

The Save-A-Child CPR and First-Aid course has become exceptionally popular with parents in the Perth metropolitan area and is now widely recognized as one of the best CPR and First-Aid courses available to WA parents, as the course covers a variety of medical emergencies relating specifically to babies and small children.

The course has received a great deal of attention in recent years because of the way in which the various medical topics are taught. The entire course is conducted in a simple, easy-to-understand manner, which leaves parents feeling confident that they will be able to cope should they have to deal with a medical emergency in the future. This is very important, as many parents complain that they have left previous first-aid courses feeling confused and overwhelmed by what they have been taught, which reduces their ability to remember their work over time and can lead to panic in an emergency.

Course Content

The course covers a wide range of medical topics, including the following:

Baby and toddler resuscitation
Choking
Drowning
Burns
Bleeding
Allergic Reactions
High temperatures
Convulsions
Poisoning and bites/ stings

Duration

Treating an injured child in a medical emergency clearly involves a high level of stress. In order for parents to come out of a first-aid course feeling confident that they will be able to handle a medical emergency, it is essential that they fully understand all of the medical topics covered and spend as much time as is necessary practicing the techniques that they have learned.

The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends that a minimum of 4 hours be spent learning resuscitation. The Save-A-Child CPR and First-Aid course is made up of 2 separate sessions of 3 hours each. This enables all participants to learn and practice resuscitation in the first session and then come back another day to practice it again in the second session, which reinforces their knowledge and helps build their confidence. In addition, the 2 sessions provide adequate time to cover a number of other vital topics, such as choking, burns, bleeding, fevers, convulsions, poisoning and bites/ stings.

Dates/ times of courses

All courses will be run on a date and at a time that is convenient for the participants. Courses can take place during the day, evening or weekend and can be run in your home or at any location you choose.

Cost

The course costs $60 per person for the full 6 hours. This price includes a CPR and first-aid manual, CPR reminder cards and a CPR wall chart.

Learning principles

All courses that are offered are based upon the following principles:

All students are taught only the latest, most correct information available. All procedures taught comply with the latest guidelines laid down by all relevant bodies, including the Australian Resuscitation Council and the Poisons Information Centre.
In order to remember information over time, it is important to understand it. While anyone can learn medical techniques by watching someone perform the procedures and then copying them, it is unlikely that these procedures will be remembered over time or will be performed correctly in a real-life scenario if they are not properly understood. As such, all lecture material is presented in such a way as to ensure that all participants gain an in-depth understanding of all of the topics covered. This also makes the course more interesting and enjoyable.
It is well recognized that only "hands-on" training can ensure that course participants are capable of performing resuscitation correctly. As such, all course participants are given ample time to practice the techniques that they have learned on a baby and child manikin until both the students themselves and the instructor feel confident in the student's level of knowledge.

Instructor background

All courses are run by Steven Lewsen, a medical lecturer and former ambulance officer.

Steven has been running medical courses for 16 years and in that time he has personally taught over 10 000 people a wide variety of life-saving medical skills.

He is exceptionally passionate about his work as he has witnessed first-hand the difference that knowledge can make in saving lives. On too many occasions he was faced with children who had suffered a serious injury or had even died, due to a lack of education. Many of these injuries and deaths could have been avoided or the severity of the situation greatly reduced if someone on scene had known more about how to deal with a medical emergency. Educating the community about these vital topics has now become a very large part of his life. It is not only what he does, but who he is.

His passion and enthusiasm for his work has grown over the years as many parents have written him letters telling him how they have used the skills they have learned from him to save the lives of their children.

He has an outstanding reputation for providing quality CPR and first-aid courses throughout the Perth metropolitan area. He has conducted over 550 free medical seminars for the general public and his courses have become exceptionally popular, particularly with parents of small children.

He has written articles for numerous organization newsletters and magazines and has appeared on National Nine News. He is regularly interviewed on radio and has also run a medical series on ABC radio in WA and Victoria, which was credited with saving the lives of a number of children.

Chemical Composition of Pepper Sprays

2009-01-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

PEPPER SPRAY FORMULA COMPOSITION

The first known development of aerosol defensive sprays first originated in 1969 with a company named Aerko International Corporation (A.I.C.). The original goal was to produce an aerosol spray that would be packaged into the housing of a small flashlight. The chemical ingredient of choice was, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). OC, is a red pepper oil that's main purpose is to cause coughing, a burning sensation of the skin, and watering in the eyes. The purpose for its development was to ward off potential dog attacks or person to person aggression. Dogs presumably are less affected by traditional tear gas.

Choice Of Product: Effectiveness issues with this chemical "stopped" any further development for the next twenty five years, by Aerko. In 1994, interest in developing a self defense spray was renewed. Aerko International was again asked to redesign a product which would now include the chemical agents of: Chloracetophenone (CN) and Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile (CS).

CN, "chloacetophenone," is classified as a "lachrymator" which attacks the tear ducts (lacrimal duct) causing the eyes to water and have a burning sensation.

CS, "orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile" is an irritant that causes tearing, severe burning of the eyes, stimulation of the nerve endings, advanced secretions of the mucous membranes, and the sensation for restricted breathing.

Consistent military testing by both the United States and Great Britain indicated that it took less CS exposure than the amount of CN to achieve the same effect. It was concluded that CS is a safer irritant than CN, because it took a far less amounts of CN to reach a potential lethal level than did CS.

The chemical composition of defensive sprays includes: CN, CS, and OC.

CS (Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)
CN (Alphachloroacetaphenone)
OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)

CS and CN, alone are not as affective as when they are enjoined with OC. The three chemicals compositions working in unison together will act like-a-rock embankment between the perpetrator and the defender. Pepper Spray, which equates to the chemical "OC", has the effect on so-called "hard-liners" of hitting the proverbial wall, when sprayed full face with OC pepper spray. It stops them cold in their tracks, no questions asked. A well-placed (full-faced) blast of OC pepper spray, they will stop what they are doing. These individuals lose their ability for concentration. The so-called "hard liners" alluded to as impervious to the effects of CS and CN, are not resistant to the affects of OC red pepper. This includes inebriated individuals, on drugs, or psychotic.

The primary aspect of interest was that the product needed to be effective. There are many different chemical compositions used in the development of Pepper Sprays. The following chemicals are the bases for many of the defensive sprays available on the market today:

* CS (Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)

* CN (Alphachloroacetaphenone)

* OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)

1. One finalizing conclusion was reached that a stream pattern was far more likely to achieve
its goal than a mist pattern application of the chemical upon the intended target.

2. The surface area of the target needs to be the face of the perpetrator to be fully
effective. Quick penetration of the chemical upon the breathing apparatus of the
perpetrator is necessary to achieve the maximum result of incapacitating the person.

3. A third dimension of this product is that an invisible skin coloring dyes the skin.

4. UV Dyes marks the perpetrator and may aid in identification once apprehended.

5. The UV Dyes only become visible under ultra violet lamps for up to 48 hours.

6. In order to maintain constant pressure within the aerosol can, a liquefied agent had to be
into the canister. The liquefied propellant boils to maintain constant pressure in the
canister.

This chemical action takes place after every use. A ballistic forceful-like characteristic
reaction result

Size and Capacity: The size of the canister ranges from 1/2 ounce canisters for personal usage up to 9 ounce canisters for the bear pepper spray category. Wildfire 18% Pepper Spray offers 1 pound canisters of pepper spray. There is key chain sized defensive sprays or larger that can be easily carried on a belt or in a purse. Even small canisters of spray have enough chemical agents in them to be effective if and when a direct application to the perpetrator's face is administered.

Spray Pattern: Mists are known to be too negatively affected by the shift in wind current. Trying to deliver an incapacitating amount of material to the surface area of the advancing perpetrator was aggravated, by the concern to avoid the change of "blow back" upon the chemical administrator. OC pepper is most effective when the spray hits the perpetrator squarely in the eyes and nose, so they haven't any choice about inhaling its properties.

Pepper Spray Stream is most effective when the perpetrator is sprayed directly in the eyes and nose. Pepper Spray Stream takes longer to affect the perpetrator. Pepper Spray Stream does have a good range of effectiveness.

Pepper spray mists have a shorter range of effectiveness than the pepper spray stream. Wind currents have a negative accuracy ratio in comparison to the pepper spray stream. Pepper
spray mist is inhaled instantly upon direct exposure to the nose and or mouth than a pepper spray stream.

A 6-8 foot range is plenty since that is where most personal assaults will take place. Most defensive sprays are also classified by number of one second bursts. A good 1-2 second burst will disable almost any assailant.

CS and CN, alone are not as effective as when they are enjoined with OC pepper. The three chemicals composition works in unison together, and will act like-a-rock embankment between the perpetrator and the defender.

**The two defining factors that need to be understood are that, the range of distance the product is rated to be effective in, and the number on one second bursts the canister contains.

In order for this self defense equipment to work for you, it must be carried at all times, wherever you go and practice using your chosen implement of self defense.

Because your car keys are not always with you, have a second spray on your person at all times, for a backup.

Why Pitt Bulls are Believed to Attack People

2009-01-10T00:20:00.000-08:00

REASONS WHY PIT BULLS ARE BELIEVED TO ATTACK PEOPLE.

The number one underlining reason Pitt Bull attacks have escalated is because people are irresponsible and ignorant.

But, it must also be said that the nature of the breed is to fight and to attack.

Some people teach their dogs to be mean by depriving them of essential substances and are deliberately, physically, verbally and emotionally abusive towards their animal or animals.

Cruelness and irresponsibility are two contributing factors that are closely followed by some people's lack of responsibility and ethical character. Their own actions precipitate the growth of puppy mills which leads to inferior genetic inbreeding.

How unfortunate that a person would deliberately use their own viciously "trained" dog to baby-sit their own child in a self-contained space. This perverted judgmental individual went shopping, knowing full well that the dog she had just sequestered with her son was her own "attack dog." The tragic result was that he own son paid the ultimate price with the loss of his life.

Meanness breeds meanness and hatred. Teasing and tormenting teaches any living creature to mistrust, retaliation, and to contemplate ill doings.

It takes a patient, "informed an enlightened" adult led household, to teach the younger people of the family, about the history and breeding characteristics, of this specimen of canine animal.

During the early 1980's the "APBT" American Pit Bull Terrier was recruited and bred heavily for the purpose of monetary gain. Many of the (dreads) of society, out of greed and maligned ignorance, have created and exploited these animals, specifically for the purpose of human aggression.

Yet, these same nefarious individuals do not know the difference between an (AST) American Staffordshire Terrier and the (APBT) American Pit Bull Terrier.

In conclusion, should you be in the market for an American Pit Bull Terrier of "true pedigree", then start your search by finding a breeder of national reputation, check out the advertising in the American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette, and contact the "American Canine Temperament Testing Association", and have the animal of your interest tested.

The American Canine Temperament Testing Association concludes that 95% of all American Pit Bull Terrier's acquired from a reputable breeder, pass this test, compared with a 77% passing score for all breeds on average. APBT'S ranked fourth among all breeds tested, according to the people of the "American Canine Temperament Testing Association."

There are security products available should you encounter a situation where an animal wishes to be combative and "attack minded." The EPA has approved MACE MUZZLE as a safe, effective and humane protection against canine attack. MACE MUZZLE is an ideal protection device for walkers, joggers, cyclists or delivery people. A Velcro-like attachment can secure this unit to a bike or car. This unit has a flip-top safety cap, finger-grip dispenser, belt clip and key chain for convenient carry.

Here at Pdmselfdefense.com we care about animals and people alike. Let us provide you with the type of safety product that best fits your needs so can all be safe.

Diversion Safes and Surveillance Cameras

2009-01-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

I am interested in the logic behind the alteration of some common ordinary household products that have been converted into safes for your valuables.

I never would have thought of a head of Iceberg Lettuce actually being a "safe." That is very ingenious and good. Candles, apples, and even dirty socks in the laundry hamper can become converted into diversion safes. Another place I would not have thought of for a diversion safe is the cat's litter box.

The "troubled" mind-set of a thief varies depending on their maturity, desperation and the availability of valuables in front of them.

An example of what I am referring to, is that some teenagers would be just as satisfied if not more so, to disperse with the beverage type containers available to them in your home. Your thinking is not entirely "thought out," if you think soda cans, beer cans, energy drink cans, or even iced tea bottles might not be snatched up in a heart beat, by these opportunists.

Homeless people looking for food and other substance in your home, without an invite, offer their own set of challenges. Such items as personal toiletries might look appealing to this caliber of thief. Never let it not be said, "That a dresser drawer full of clean undergarments might not truly look appealing too."

Remember many thieves read too. A so-called grocery-shopping list of your household goods might well have been calculated for in advance by these desperate self-centered individuals.

"Trade thieves" present their own set of challenges, so you might not be able to guard all of your treasures and necessities, unless you are standing over your belongings every moment.

Because cleaning supplies might not be as desirable to some perpetrators as some other items referred to earlier, cleaning container type products might make good diversion safes.

A person's office within a cubicle is its owner's castle. Therefore, these hard working individuals have every right to expect their belongings to be safe in their absence. All too often personal and company articles and supplies come up mysteriously missing, in their owners absence. In conclusion, be prepared in advance for such an indignity an invasion of your privacy.

The purchase of Hidden Cameras and Surveillance Equipment for your home and or office is a prudent investment.

We live in a world that is unpredictable and tumultuous, so advanced security measures are warranted.

At Pdmselfdefense.com we have available to you, a large selection of technological personal security products an accessories that can help you to be prepared in advance of such wasteful occurrences. Hidden Camera/Surveillance Equipment will help you to identify the culprit who has chosen to steal your belongings and peace of mind.

The acquisition of home security surveillance equipment would be of great help to assisting law enforcement personnel in the recovery of your hard earned property.

It does not have to cost a large sum of money to purchase quality surveillance equipment. Here, at our store, Pdmselfdefense.com, we have Flat Lens Board Cameras for as low as $56.99. All that would be required of you is to secure your camera inside your own designed "housing compartment." We have all the electronic accessories for you to complete the job.

Common everyday products such as air freshener/hidden cameras, smoke detector/hidden camera, electric can opener/hidden camera, baby monitor/hidden cameras, and my favorite the electric pencil sharpener/hidden camera are available to you at Pdmselfdefense.com.

Self Defense Equipment

2009-01-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

When contemplating what kind of stun gun to buy, remember these key considerations; a lot of knock-off and imported models are poorly made. Please take a moment and think about the value of your life and the lives of your loved ones before deciding to buy something cheap with a spotty reputation. Please choose reliable, dependable, "tried and true" name brands such as TASER or Stun Master, as these manufactures are affordable without sacrificing quality, durability, and dependability. Both of these companies stand behind their products and have very good lifetime warranty's. These two brands of stun guns will be there for you when you need them. Another essential fact is that a very high quality alkaline battery is a prudent and wise accessory for your stun gun. A "good rule of thumb" tradition according to the Fire Fighters of America ... is for everyone to change out their batteries in their smoke detectors on Halloween day, so it makes sense to also change out the batteries in your electronic self defense products as well. Don't joke around be wise and be safe. Gambling is a fools-game, so buy quality personal protection devices and be prepared in advance. The theme of our website here at Pdmselfdefense aligns our doctrine of "Advanced Prep to Action".

Examples of other effective self defense products are; pepper sprays, stun guns, TASERS, personal alarm flashlights, and the MACE 3 in 1 Sport Strobe which when activated emits a 116 db blast with accompanying flashing strobe light. These personal protection devices are also prime examples of non-lethal self defense products. There are occupations where it is part of their job to be out late at night, to carry cash on their person, and to be trained to be friendly and courteous to total strangers. These same "service people" traits makes them more susceptible to being potential targets of persons with "ill begotten intent" on their minds.

Pepper sprays come in many types of canisters, from pepper spray rings, pepper pagers, lipstick canister pepper sprays, pepper spray guns,to the more familiar type canisters that disperse pepper spray.

Not everyone can physically and quickly flee the scene of an altercation, of their own power. Physical limitations require a reevaluating of what type of personal protective devise you might need to carry in case of an emergency. The need to temporarily incapacitate an individual determined to do you bodily harm, might require a different type of self defense product.

TASERS now have a similar ability to a stun gun, in stunning a determined aggressor via direct contact. This capability trait is called "drive stun" which makes it possible for both the TASER or stun gun to work in close proximity with the assailant's person. TASERS have an almost 100% effectiveness rating.

Stun guns require direct contact with the skin whereas the TASER can work through clothing if it is within two inches of the skin. TASERS work in close range of the body as well as from a distance of up to 15 feet. This is very advantageous when you need the extra time to depart from the scene and or have a strong aversion to confronting an obvious perpetrator, bent on infringing even closer upon your personal space. Once a TASER is fired using the wires, a new cartridge must be loaded before it can be fired again. Stun guns and TASERS used in "drive stun" mode can be fired repeatedly without any interruption.

Both the TASER and the stun gun are non-lethal weapons. Come check our TASER's at pdmselfdefense.com.

Child Guard Safety

2009-01-06T20:10:00.000-08:00

Your child is you're most prized and cherished younger citizen in your household. The well-being and safety are a parent's primary responsibility and concern. It is a gut-wrenching feeling to turn around in a busy street, mall or park and find that your child is nowhere in sight. Now this could be prevented with the new improved CHILD GUARD PANDA. This cartoon animal-shaped transmitter is worn by your child while the receiver is kept in your possession. The transmitter is capable of receiving a signal from 3 to 21 feet. The distance that your child wanders from you before the transmitter sets off a constant signal is determined by you. The beeping of the receiver is to notify you that your child is beyond the range of safety.

The reason I am writing about a separate but similarly fine product is because this device also monitors children's wanderings. This device is called a "Giggle Bug Child Location Alert." The Giggle Bug Child Location Alert function is to find your child's location when they wander off. It is my belief that these location devices are extremely necessary, safety warranted, and inexpensive instruments.

The major differences between the Child Guard Panda mentioned above and the Giggle Bug Child Location Alert is with who has possession of the transmitter, the distance in transmission capability, and that the Giggle Bug signals an 85 db alert, effectively marking the child's position.

The Child Guard Panda's transmitter is worn by the child and when the child is out of range of between 3 to 21 feet, the adults' receiver starts to beep, letting them know that their child is starting to wander off. Both of these child safety devices are very valuable in alerting both the child and adult that a boundary parameter of distance has been compromised.

The Child Guard Panda can be purchased from Pdmselfdefense.com. Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions. We can be reached at www.pdmselfdefense.com.

Stun Master Stun Guns

2009-01-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

The major reason we created pdmselfdefense.com is due to the state of negative behavior by many of the people of the world today. In many ways a person must be proactive in their thinking and actions if they hope to stay safe.

The need in real for such products as child home safety products and child safety distance monitors that alert us when our children have wondered too far from our view.

It has become a risky enterprise these days to walk our dogs, to go jogging, go to the mall, or to ride our bikes around our own neighborhoods.

Advanced Prep to Action is the theme for our website, and we believe by it. Personal protection devices that include alarms, lights, and whistles, are accompanied by pepper sprays, stun guns, and TASER's.

Personal surveillance cameras for our home, business exteriors and interiors are now available. Roadside travel safety aids can be stored alongside the tire jack or in the glove compartment of our vehicles.

Necessary reading materials include pages of safety information. Researching online for sales on personal self defense products, first aid kits and outdoor survival equipment, has become a wise use of our technology. Gathering information on many subjects is an invaluable enterprise.

Be wise with your behavior and be prepared in advance by purchasing home and personal safety products is adhering to "Advanced Prep To Action" from www.pdmselfdefense.com.

Thank you, be Prepared and be Safe.