Assess the Situation
When caught in a choke hold, it’s critical to remain calm and assess the situation quickly. It’s natural to feel panic, but it can cloud your judgment and hinder your escape. Follow these steps to effectively assess the situation:
Stay Calm and Focused:
Take a deep breath and focus on controlling your fear. Remember that panic can lead to mistakes that could worsen your situation. Maintain a level head and avoid making any sudden or impulsive movements.
Identify the Type of Choke Hold:
There are two main types of choke holds: the front choke and the rear choke. Front chokes are applied from the front, where the attacker’s arms are wrapped around your neck, while rear chokes are applied from behind, with the attacker’s hands clasped together behind your neck. Determine which type of choke you’re in, as it will affect your escape options.
Evaluate the Attacker’s Strength and Position:
Assess the attacker’s physical strength and their position relative to you. Consider your own size, strength, and agility compared to theirs. Determine if you can use your weight or leverage to your advantage. Also, observe the attacker’s movements and any potential vulnerabilities they may have.
Identify Available Resources:
Look around for any objects or obstacles that you can use to your advantage. It could be a chair, a table, or even a piece of clothing. Identify potential escape routes and assess if there are any people nearby who could assist you.
| Type of Choke Hold | Escape Options |
|---|---|
| Front Choke | -Chin tuck -Tuck and roll -Shoulder escape -Guillotine escape |
| Rear Choke | -Rear naked choke escape -Crossface escape -Arm-bar escape -Headlock escape |
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after getting out of a choke hold. Even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort, it’s important to have your doctor examine you to rule out any injuries or complications.
Choke holds can cause damage to the neck, throat, and brain. Some of the potential injuries and complications include:
| Injury/Complication | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Neck injury | Pain, stiffness, tenderness, bruising |
| Throat injury | Pain, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing |
| Brain injury | Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures |
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Even if your symptoms are mild, it’s important to have them checked out to rule out any serious injuries.
