Three ways to survive a kidnapping or hostage-taking incident.

Directory law 1: avoid being kidnapped or held hostage 1, and try to escape those who try to arrest you. Shout loudly to make people notice your situation here. Try your best to repel the hijackers. 4. See if there is anything around that can be used as a weapon. Method 2: Respond to the situation after being arrested 1, and follow the instructions of the hostage taker after being arrested. 2. Stay calm and focus on survival. Try to communicate with kidnappers, but don't pretend to support them. 4. Observe the surrounding environment. When questioned, don't admit the other party's accusation. 6. If others are kidnapped, try to communicate with them. 7. Be prepared for being held hostage for a long time. 8. Unless you are sure you can escape safely, wait for help. If the authorities concerned come to rescue you, you must follow their instructions. 10, see a doctor as soon as possible. Method 3: Coping with anxiety caused by possible kidnapping 1. When you start to feel anxious, remind yourself that kidnapping doesn't happen often. 2. Prepare for possible kidnapping. 3. always pay attention to the surrounding environment. 4. Try not to attract attention. Change your schedule every few days. 6. Participate in self-defense courses to increase self-confidence. 7. If your anxiety about kidnapping affects your daily life, it is recommended to consult a doctor. It's really scary to imagine yourself being kidnapped or taken hostage, but knowing how to deal with it can help you stay calm and focused when it really happens. Of course, it is best to avoid this. If someone tries to kidnap you, run away as far as possible before they catch you. If you are caught unfortunately, follow the instructions of the hostage taker and observe the surrounding environment until you can escape or be successfully rescued.

Methods 1: Avoid being kidnapped or held hostage.

1, try to escape from those who try to catch you. If someone wants to kidnap you, try to avoid being taken away by them. Try to get rid of them and run to the nearest crowd or the building you can see as soon as possible. Don't get on the bus, because if the hijacker drives a long distance, it will be more difficult for the authorities to track you down.

If you are held hostage, everything may happen quickly, and you may not have a chance to escape.

Shout loudly to make people notice your situation here. If someone tries to kidnap you, start shouting at once, especially if you know someone nearby. Even if the hostage taker overpowers you, keep shouting to attract others' attention. If someone hears your screams and sees what happened, they may help you before you are taken away. Try to shout "help" or "call the police". It is suggested that shouting "fire" is the most effective. It is easier to attract others' attention and get help faster.

Onlookers can at least contact the relevant authorities and inform them of the kidnapping. They can also provide important details, such as the appearance of the kidnappers or the type of vehicles they drive. Try to see the license plate clearly, so that the relevant departments can investigate whether the car belongs to the thief or the kidnapper.

Try your best to repel the hijackers. It's hard not to panic, but if you can stay calm and concentrate on survival, you may be able to successfully repel the hijackers. Try every means to resist, beating, kicking, biting and scratching with your hands and feet. Try to aim at the kidnapper's eyes, throat or groin, which are very sensitive targets. As long as there is an opportunity to escape, it is worth fighting for. This is the best chance to escape, because the scene is in chaos, and it is likely that someone saw what happened and bravely intervened.

4. See if there is anything around that can be used as a weapon. In the process of resistance, try to cheer up and observe the surrounding environment. See if there are any weapons within your reach that will give you an advantage in the battle. If nothing can be used as an offensive weapon, find something that can separate you from the hostage taker, such as a chair or a table. For example, if you are knocked down by a hostage taker, you may see a loose stone on the sidewalk, and you can pick it up and attack each other.

If you are at home, you may pick up a heavy vase or lamp, a poker in the fireplace or a heavy book.

Method 2: Handling after being arrested.

1. Follow the instructions of the hostage taker after being arrested. Whenever the hijackers clearly control the situation, immediately stop resisting and obey their orders. If you are subdued, such as being held hostage by many people, being restricted from activities, being taken to a car or other enclosed space, you may be injured or even killed if you continue to resist. When you are successfully kidnapped or taken hostage, you must take a long-term view and don't want to escape on impulse. Instead of blindly resisting, it is better to start evaluating the surrounding environment.

If you are taken to the car in a sober state, try to pay attention to this journey, such as how long the car has stopped, whether there are any turns on the road, and whether you have noticed any noise on the road.

If you are in the trunk, find a safety pole that will glow in the dark. Pull it open and open the suitcase. If you can't find it, try to kick off the taillight and wave hard to make other drivers notice your presence.

2. Stay calm and focus on survival. It's hard to do, but once you get caught, try to calm down. Try to keep your dignity, don't cry hysterically or beg them to let you go. In this way, kidnappers will treat you more as a living person and reduce the chance of being killed. Try not to cry.

When you talk to the person who kidnapped or held you, you should speak softly but clearly. Don't be aggressive or uncooperative. If you resist, they will probably attack or kill you.

Try to communicate with kidnappers, but don't pretend to support them. Talk to kidnappers about some common topics, such as family, hobbies or sports. However, don't try to make friends with them or defend what they have done. They will think it's your trick and may be angry about it. If you need anything, such as medicine or books, ask calmly. This may help to establish a harmonious relationship with the hostage taker.

When chatting with hijackers, don't touch on political or religious topics, especially when the hijackers are terrorists.

If you bring photos of your family, you can show them to the kidnappers, so that they will see you as a living person, not a victim.

4. Observe the surrounding environment. Pay attention to every detail after being arrested, including the number and appearance of the hijackers and whether there is an exit in the hiding place. You may find something that can help you escape, or important information that can be provided to the relevant authorities after you escape to help them catch the kidnappers. Even if you are blindfolded or surrounded by darkness, you may know your position by sound or smell. For example, if you hear cars coming and going, you will know that if you can escape from this building, you may ask passers-by for help.

Other details that can be noticed include the accent, name or nickname of the hostage taker and the person in charge. If they follow the same schedule every day, they should also write it down.

When questioned, don't admit the other party's accusation. In some cases, kidnappers think you have information that can make them gain political or personal benefits, so they kidnap or detain you. Whatever they do, don't disclose information that may be used by them against you. Try to cooperate. For example, you can answer questions about your job without revealing your company bank account number.

6. If others are kidnapped, try to communicate with them. If a group of people are kidnapped, or find that the kidnappers have captured others, try to communicate with them. Don't speak openly in front of kidnappers, or they may separate, bind and even kill some people in order to control everyone. For example, you can whisper to the kidnappers after they leave the room. If you know Morse code, you can also type the information.

Might as well set a secret code between you, in case there is an opportunity to escape, it can come in handy.

7. Be prepared for being held hostage for a long time. Depending on the situation, you may be held hostage for hours, days, months or even years. When you get used to your own situation, try to make a timetable and record the time by observing external clues, such as bird songs, indoor temperature changes or security guards' activities. Even if it doesn't look delicious, eat the food given to you by the kidnappers and stay healthy and strong.

Try to do stretching exercises such as plate support and squat to keep your muscles strong. Even if your body's range of motion is limited, many movements can be adjusted.

Meditation and prayer help to stay mentally strong during kidnapping.

The longer you are held hostage, the higher your chances of survival!

8. Unless you are sure you can escape safely, wait for help. After being caught, the hostage taker will probably kill you if he finds any signs of escape. If there is a chance to escape, and you are sure that you can escape smoothly, then take bold action! However, if you are not sure that you can escape, it is better to wait quietly. Tracking the kidnapped person or negotiating with the hostage taker requires a lot of work. Wait patiently for the relevant departments to find you.

If you can use a mobile phone, make sure you won't be found before you try to call the emergency number.

The only exception is that if you think the kidnapper wants to kill you, don't wait for help. For example, if they suddenly stop giving you food and look nervous or scared, then your life may be in danger and you should try to escape.

When you run away, go to a safe place immediately, such as a police station or a crowded building.

If the authorities concerned come to rescue you, you must follow their instructions. If the relevant departments find you, there may be a moment of confusion at the scene, because they need to confirm who is the kidnapper and who is the victim. For safety reasons, squat down close to the ground and put your hands on your head or cross your chest. Don't run, don't move suddenly. After the authorities control the scene, they may handcuff you before searching for the victim. Let them handcuff you and tell them that you are the kidnapped person.

10, see a doctor as soon as possible. Once you have successfully escaped or been rescued, you need a doctor to check whether you are injured, and you need to consult a mental health expert to help you cope with the experience of being kidnapped or taken hostage. Find a therapist who is good at treating trauma and get the necessary care.

Method 3: coping with anxiety caused by possible kidnapping.

1. When you start to feel anxious, remind yourself that kidnapping doesn't happen often. You may never be kidnapped. When anxiety is out of control, this idea may help you control yourself and calm down. However, don't blame yourself for your anxiety. It is normal to worry about what may happen to you or your family, especially if you have seen or heard about the kidnapping on the news recently. When there is a kidnapping case in your area or someone like you is kidnapped, it is particularly easy to feel anxious.

2. Prepare for possible kidnapping. Basic safety awareness is useful for everyone, such as always paying attention to the surrounding situation or being alert to strangers. If you think you are an easy target to be kidnapped, you should take further precautions to protect yourself. Being prepared can help you calm down and not be occupied by anxiety. For example, working for a political or social organization abroad or having a lot of money at home may be more likely to be the target of kidnapping or kidnapping.

If you are in a politically unstable area, pay close attention to the daily news and terrorist threat level and assess your risk of being kidnapped.

3. always pay attention to the surrounding environment. You don't have to worry about being kidnapped all the time, but being vigilant at all times can make you feel more at ease, especially for people you don't know in public places or around. Pay attention to what people around you are doing and trust your intuition. If something or someone looks suspicious, leave the environment as soon as possible. Whether traveling or at home, don't go to places known for poor public security. Don't go alone at night. Don't park your car in a remote and dark place. If you are alone, you can ask someone else to accompany you to the parking place.

When you get home, take the key in your hand before you get off the bus. If there is a garage at home, open the garage door, drive in, and make sure the garage door is completely closed before getting off.

Don't disclose your personal information when making a phone call in a public place, so as not to be used by kidnappers against you.

Expert tips

Ross Cascio

Ross Cascio, a self-defense coach, is Krav Maga's global self-defense, fitness and fighting coach. He trained and taught Ma Jia in Krav Maga Worldwide's headquarters training center in Los Angeles, California for over 15 years. He helps people become stronger, safer and healthier through Krav Maga global training courses.

Ross Cascio

Self-defense coach

Our experts believe that it is best to walk in bright and crowded places. Always change the route to work or school, so that the stalker can't predict your actions. If you think you are being followed, go to the nearest police station at once.

4. Try not to attract attention. Try not to attract attention when you are in public places, so as not to become the target of kidnapping. Wear ordinary clothes, don't wear jewelry, don't wear luxurious shoes. Depending on your destination, it is best not to bring expensive electronic products, such as smart phones, tablets or high-end cameras. When walking on the road, try to look confident and know your destination. Don't stop to look at the map in the street, choose the person who asks for directions carefully, and don't give people the impression that you are a lost passenger.

Change your schedule every few days. Kidnappers usually study each other's daily habits before kidnapping a person. If you make your actions unpredictable, it is not easy to become a kidnapping target. For example, you can plan several routes to work or school and change them every 2-3 days. You can also have lunch in different restaurants, go to different bars, meet friends at different times or get off work at different times every day.

If you think your car is being followed, drive to a nearby police station or a place you think is safe. If you are on the road, go to the nearest crowd or public place immediately.

If you work in an overseas government agency, you can consider driving an ordinary car without obvious signs to reduce the risk of being recognized on the road.

6. Participate in self-defense courses to increase self-confidence. Self-defense courses give you a way to protect yourself and stay calm in high-pressure situations such as kidnapping. Besides, you can also learn how to fight back effectively when being caught by others. Check the nearby self-defense courses online.

7. If your anxiety about kidnapping affects your daily life, it is recommended to consult a doctor. If you have taken various measures to ensure your safety, but you can't stop worrying about being kidnapped, you might as well consult a doctor. They can help you assess whether your fears are well-founded and whether you have undiagnosed anxiety. The doctor may recommend you a counselor or therapist who is good at treating anxiety.

Warning: If you want to escape, consider where you were caught. If you are in a foreign country, the locals are likely to be as hostile to you as the kidnappers.

If you are thrown into the trunk, you can try to escape. If you can't escape, you can tear off or kick off the panel opposite the brake light, and then kick off the light. Then reach out and shake it hard to make other drivers notice your presence. If you can't kick off the brake lights, at least disconnect the wires, so that the police can stop the car more easily.