Shooting to Cause Pain or Stop the Deadly Threat?

Published on January 11, 2020
Duration: 2:29

This video emphasizes that when engaging a deadly threat with a firearm, the objective is to stop the threat's actions, not to inflict pain. The instructor advises dehumanizing the threat, viewing them as an object to be stopped, due to the unpredictable human response to pain, especially under adrenaline. The focus should be on physics and incapacitation, not on whether the threat feels pain.

Quick Summary

When engaging a deadly threat with a firearm, the objective is to stop the threat's actions, not to inflict pain. Instructors advise dehumanizing the threat, viewing them as an object to be stopped, due to the unpredictable human response to pain, especially under adrenaline. The focus should be on physics and incapacitation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Human Response to Pain
  2. 00:17Adrenaline and Pain Tolerance
  3. 00:29Firearm Use: Stopping a Human
  4. 00:36Dehumanizing the Threat
  5. 00:43Physics and Objects
  6. 01:04Shooting at a Deadly Threat
  7. 01:18Goal: Stop Movement, Not Cause Pain
  8. 01:31Inability to Gauge Pain Sensation
  9. 01:54Focus on Action, Not Sensation
  10. 02:01Object to be Stopped

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal when using a firearm against a deadly threat?

The primary goal when using a firearm against a deadly threat is to stop the threat's actions and forward movement. It is not about inflicting pain, as human responses to pain are unpredictable, especially under adrenaline.

Why should a deadly threat be dehumanized when engaging with a firearm?

Dehumanizing a deadly threat is advised to shift focus from their potential pain response to the physics of stopping them as an object. This mental framing helps ensure the engagement is about incapacitation rather than causing sensation.

Can adrenaline affect a person's response to being shot?

Yes, adrenaline can significantly alter a person's response to being shot. Under its influence, individuals may not feel immediate pain or be incapacitated, continuing their aggressive actions until later.

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