Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques PDF

Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques Lesson 4 Pressure Points Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will understand the concept of pain compliance and its use in controlling resistant subjects and be able to demonstrate how to apply a pressure point technique. Pressure points are techn...

Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques Lesson 4 Pressure Points Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will understand the concept of pain compliance and its use in controlling resistant subjects and be able to demonstrate how to apply a pressure point technique. Pressure points are techniques used to control resistant behavior by using pain compliance. Pres- sure or leverage is applied using a fingertip or thumb tip to target a nerve, joint, or sensitive area, causing pain and compliance to verbal direction. These techniques do not work on every person or in all situations, but they are generally effective. ✅ HL434.1. Demonstrate pressure point techniques The two main components of pressure point techniques are: touch pressure—touching the location of a nerve or sensitive area and applying continual, uninterrupted pressure with the tip of the finger(s) or thumb until the subject complies stabilization—immobilizing the subject’s head so the subject cannot move or escape; be careful not to apply too much pressure or torque on the neck or spine when stabiliz- ing the head As soon as the subject complies by obeying your commands, release pressure to stop the pain. On all pressure point techniques, applying pressure longer than three to five seconds without a response may result in an adrenaline surge. This may cause the subject to exhibit symptoms similar to survival responses, an inability to feel pain, extraordinary strength, or selective hearing. Use caution when applying a pressure point technique. The subject’s hands are free and you must move inside the danger zone. Also, be aware of the possibility of being bitten by the subject. Pressure point techniques covered in this lesson include: under the jaw hollow behind the ear hollow behind the collarbone elbow under the shoulder blade 238 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Under the Jaw Use this technique when you want a seated, kneeling, or prone subject to stand up. 1. Approach the subject safely. 2. Use loud, clear verbal commands to let the subject know what you want them to do. 3. Stabilize the subject’s head. Locate the pressure point(s) under the jawbone. 4. Apply pressure until the subject is compliant. 5. Decrease the pressure when the subject complies. Do not release control, just the pres- sure. If the subject begins to resist again, reapply the pressure. 6. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-17) Figure 4-17 Pressure points – under the jaw A and B Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 239 Hollow Behind the Ear Use this technique on a seated or prone subject or on a subject who is holding onto a fixed object. 1. Approach the subject safely. 2. Use loud, clear verbal commands to let the subject know what you want them to do. 3. Stabilize the subject’s head. Locate the pressure point in the hollow behind the ear. 4. Apply pressure inward and toward the nose until the subject complies. 5. Decrease the pressure when the subject complies. Do not release control, just the pres- sure. If the subject begins to resist again, reapply the pressure. 6. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-18) Figure 4-18 Pressure points – hollow behind the ear A, B, and C 240 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Hollow Behind the Collarbone Use this technique when you want a standing subject to sit, lie down, or move to another location. You can employ this technique from either the front or the side of the subject. 1. Approach the subject safely. 2. Use loud, clear verbal commands to let the subject know what you want them to do. 3. Stabilize the subject. 4. Locate the pressure point behind the collarbone. 5. Apply pressure toward the feet until the subject is compliant. 6. Decrease the pressure when the subject complies. Do not release control, just the pres- sure. If the subject begins to resist again, reapply the pressure. 7. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-19) Figure 4-19 Pressure points – hollow behind the collarbone Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 241 Elbow Under the Shoulder Blade Use this technique to reach the arms or wrists (for example, for handcuffing) of a subject who is on their stomach with their hands tucked under them. 1. Approach the subject safely. 2. Use loud, clear verbal commands to let the subject know what you want them to do. 3. Stabilize the subject where they are face down, on their stomach. 4. Bend your elbow and place it on the subject’s back along the spine at the shoulder blade. 5. Apply downward pressure with the elbow until the subject is compliant. 6. Decrease the pressure when the subject complies. If the subject begins to resist again, reapply the pressure. 7. Follow up with the appropriate action(s). (See Figure 4-20) Figure 4-20 Pressure points – elbow under the shoulder blade A and B 242 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2