Best Way to Survive an IED or Hand Grenade Attack

I originally posted this video on the FightFast facebook page shortly after the tragic events at the Boston Marathon. This video was created a few years back, but recent events make it all the more relevant. As Mr. Wagner explains in the video, although it is rare, civilians in the U.S. unfortunately are exposed to IEDs or a hand grenade attack. The good news is that the simple and easy to learn technique in this video can save your life if you are ever unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

First of all, it must be said that this technique only works if you have at least a split second warning before a device explodes. I’m not suggesting that this makes you immune or that those victims of the Boston Bombing would have been saved or less severely injured had they known this technique. That was a surprise attack. However, if you are exposed to several blasts, after the first “surprise” you do have a chance to drop to the ground, thereby lowering your profile and potentially saving your life.

The best part about this technique is its simplicity. While nearly all those who have served in the military are familiar with this technique, startlingly few civilians are even aware it exists. This is a shame since it is dead simple to learn and extremely effective when done right.

As Mr. Wagner explains in the video, this technique starts with you becoming aware that an explosive device is in your vicinity. Once you see it you need to immediately take a step away from it then dive onto the floor with your feet pointed toward the device. Once on the ground you have lowered your profile significantly, reducing the amount of shrapnel you are exposed to.

How does this work? Well on average only 2% of the shrapnel (fragments of metal or other debris which cause most of the damage in this type of explosion) coming from an IED or grenade actually travels along the horizon (close to the ground).

It’s simply mathematics, drop to the ground, lay flat, and your chances of surviving increase dramatically. Remember you can’t outrun shrapnel, although this is often a first instinct it is dead wrong.

Once on the ground there are several steps you can take to prevent that 2% of shrapnel you are exposed to from causing a serious or mortal wound. The first and most important step is to be face down with your feet together and pointed toward the device. This step allows the soles of your feet and your legs to absorb any shrapnel headed your way. Your feet and legs are now a wall of protection for your vital organs.

Next you want to cover your ears with your hands, tucking your elbows in at your sides. This protects your ear drums as much as possible and tucking your arms in at your side protect the artery that runs on the inside of the arm. You will also want to open your mouth to prevent the the shock front from collapsing your lungs. And close your eyes to prevent dust and debris from hampering your vision after the grenade attack.

Lastly, the information shown at the end of the video explains how this technique can be slightly modified to save the life of someone your are with.