Stephen M. is a middle-aged motorcyclist, and concealed carry permit holder.
A few years ago, Stephen attended a motorcycle club event in North Carolina.
It was the 10th anniversary celebration for the Queens of Chrome Motorcycle Club.
During the celebration, Stephen said another man acted aggressively toward him and physically attacked him three different times.
The final time the man attacked Stephen it was in a dark parking lot outside a gas station and away from the main crowd.
The man tackled Stephen to the ground and Stephen said he feared for his life.
So, he drew his legally carried pistol and shot the attacker once in the chest.
After the shooting, Stephen immediately called 911 and said, “I just shot a man.”
The suspect later died from his injuries.
But Stephen couldn’t explain to the dispatcher exactly what happened, saying his memory was clouded.
He also said he didn’t remember when the man stopped attacking him.
Stephen was experiencing tunnel vision, focusing on the threat and nothing else.
This can be a normal stress response.
But Stephen was arrested and charged with murder.
Years later, after extensive court proceedings, it was ruled that he acted in self-defense.
The case served as a reminder that a justified shooting can be questioned, especially when tunnel vision impacts statements the shooter makes after the fact.
What is tunnel vision in a self-defense scenario?:
Tunnel vision is a psychological reaction during a stressful or life-threatening situation.
Your focus narrows on a threat and blocks out everything else around.
In other words, you might not see other people around you since your mind is focused on the threat.
The brain will prioritize the danger, and awareness of other things will be gone.
In a self-defense situation, this could mean that you don’t see other threats, bystanders, or even escape routes.
Considering this, here are a few ways to overcome tunnel vision.
Scanning:
When you are practicing at the shooting range, you might want to make scanning part of your shooting routine.
After firing your weapon, you want to immediately scan the environment around you.
This includes side to side and up and down. (Yes, you want to look up to see all potential threats.)
Move your head in all directions to scan for other threats, or tactical options such as getting behind cover.
Stress training:
Don’t just go to the range and send rounds downrange at paper targets.
You need to add stress to your training.
This can be done by adding timers, loud noises, and moving targets.
It will help your mind and body perform better during a real-life stressful situation.
The more you practice, the better your body will manage the adrenaline and be prepared for the tunnel vision response.
Controlled breathing:
Another tool that can help reduce tunnel vision is combat breathing.
Box breathing is the practice of inhaling for four seconds, holding the inhale for four seconds, exhaling for four seconds, and holding the exhale for four seconds.
This technique will lower the heart rate, reduce stress, and improve focus.
In addition, it will help with decision making and improve motor skills during a stressful encounter.
Verbal commands:
There is a saying, “If you are talking, you are breathing.”
During a stressful encounter, it’s not uncommon for people to hold their breath.
It can be a natural reaction.
But giving verbal commands helps maintain breathing.
Shouting commands such as “STOP” or “GET AWAY” can help maintain breathing and cognitive skills.
Talking makes the brain engage and it can help overcome tunnel vision.
Also, it will warn bystanders and make it clear that you were the victim, the good guy trying to stop a threat.
Tunnel vision is a natural stress response, but it’s something that can be overcome with the right training.
