Page 16 - Verge eMag April 2018

Tombstone Courage I

Thomas

Raise your hand if you think you are all-
that-and-a-bag-of-chips when it comes to
survival, outdoors skills, and life in
general… now, put your hand down people
are looking at you.

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations
where we may be able to help another
person. Be it first aid, attempting a rescue,
or coming to one’s protection.

While having the courage to help others is admirable, and pretty much implied for being
considered a descent human being. Sometimes that courage can get us into trouble!

What is the first thing you learn in first aid training (ok, besides always wear gloves)?
That’s right, make sure the scene is safe. If you rush into an unsafe scene, then you
may become another casualty to what happened to the first fella. Now what do you
have? Two victims instead of one… and possibly nobody there to help either of you.

First responders have a term for running headstrong into danger without having a plan
or making sure the scene is safe: Tombstone Courage. That methodology will surely
find you taking a dirt nap, tombstone above your head, and plenty of time to ponder
your life’s decisions.

Sometimes, you may find yourself staring at a situation where you may not make it out
of if you inject yourself into it. That is between you, God, and those that depend on you
in this world.

Think before you act and have a plan. Regardless of the situation, take a moment to
survey the environment, and look for ways to mitigate your risk of failure. Hone your
skills, and continuously perform mental exercises in which you imagine yourself in
various scenarios. Contemplate various ways of addressing the issue and possible
outcomes. If you find yourself lacking in a set of skills, then now is the time to practice.

God bless, and keep a level head.