Surviving a Knife Attack

"I was stabbed twelve times in the throat and chest. The blade broke and remained stuck in my neck ," said TB, 41.

A night of terror and a lesson in survival

What really happened that night? Here's a detailed account of a horrific attack.

On April 14, 2015, in the early evening, in the Bugey region, TB set off to deliver flowers to a customer, whom he was also transporting by car from Oyonnax to Lake Genin. But mid-drive, deep in the forest, the man on board suddenly pulled out a knife and attacked him. Turan managed to escape from the vehicle and flee into the woods.

Seeing the headlights of a car in the distance, he tried to call for help, but narrowly avoided being hit by a Citroën Saxo, which was later found wrecked in a ditch. Exhausted and seriously injured, he was finally rescued by the innkeepers of Lake Genin before being rushed by helicopter to the Édouard Herriot Hospital in Lyon. "I received twelve stab wounds to the throat and chest. The blade broke and remained stuck in my neck," he said.

The attacker, now 51, was arrested three weeks later. The investigation revealed that he had carefully planned his attack: he had parked his Citroën Saxo on the spot before asking Turan to drive him, with the intention of killing him. His wife was also involved in the attempted murder.

TB's video story:

Video

An incredible opportunity... but also a decisive reaction

Was T.'s survival a miracle? What is the probability of a blade breaking in the cervical vertebrae without causing serious neurological or muscular damage? Yet, that evening, it happened.

This testimony highlights a fundamental principle of self-defense: flight can save lives. Faced with a knife, T. didn't freeze. From the first attack, he tried to escape, pursued by his attacker, who stabbed him several times, even breaking the blade in his neck.

However, running away is not always enough. Two things must be taken into account:

1. The aggressor's relentlessness : As long as he has the will and the means, he will continue his attack. It is therefore essential to quickly find a refuge or protective obstacle.

2. Hemorrhage management : Excessive blood loss can be fatal. It is crucial to apply a cloth or other material that can limit blood loss while waiting for help.

Flight or fight: a vital alternative

But what if the attacker is still there, or if surprise prevents us from fleeing? This is precisely the question Krav Maga attempts to answer. Contrary to popular belief, neutralizing an attacker isn't always an immediate option. When you can no longer flee, it becomes imperative to act:

- Protect yourself as much as possible

- Hit violently and simultaneously to limit injuries

- Look for the first opportunity to escape

Krav Maga is nothing mystical or miraculous. It's based on pragmatic principles, tested in real-life situations. No technique guarantees absolute effectiveness, but in such a brutal attack, options quickly diminish. If escape is no longer an option, you must limit the damage and fight to survive.

Two essential principles to remember:

- If you can, RUN AWAY!

- Otherwise, FIGHT with all your determination, because doing nothing means DIE.

Preparing for this type of situation is essential.

The violence of knife attacks requires a response

adapted onse:

a combination of common sense, defensive techniques and an unwavering will to survive.