You’re going about your business
on what seems like an ordinary day.
When, suddenly, attackers storm into
your building, taking everyone hostage.
You’re trapped and at your captor’s mercy.
Now what?
While being taken hostage
is a very rare situation,
it still happens quite
often across the world.
Americans abducted abroad are the most
likely to be killed, according to
a 2017 study by New America.
That’s mainly because the U.S.
has a policy of not paying ransoms.
While some captors are in it
for cash or fame, the most common
hostage situations within North America
are domestic disputes.
If you want to increase your odds
of being a hostage survivor,
here are a few things to consider.
Your best chance of surviving
a hostage situation is to not become
a hostage in the first place.
So, if someone is attempting to abduct you,
do everything you can to get away
before they secure full control.
Make a scene by yelling for help.
Screaming “fire” usually works pretty well
in getting people’s attention.
If there is a physical struggle,
don’t hesitate to kick, punch and scratch.
Go for sensitive areas,
like the throat, groin and eyes,
to give yourself the chance
to make a run for it.
Once the captor overpowers you,
change your approach to survival mode.
The longer a hostage event takes place,
the better your chances are
of getting out alive.
Stay calm and maintain your composure.
Follow all your captor’s instructions
and only speak when spoken to.
You don't want to be labeled
as a threat or a trouble maker.
In some situations, it might be wise
to humanize yourself by creating
a connection with the captor.
But this mental tango might backfire
if you start to develop real feelings
for the hostage-taker.
This twisted romance is
called Stockholm Syndrome.
It's impossible to know how long
your situation will last.
So try to stay positive and maintain
a routine to keep your sanity.
While in captivity, stay vigilant
and start planning your escape.
Make note of where you are,
where the exits are located,
and what could be used as a weapon.
Focus on memorizing details about your
hostage-taker. Like their alias, clothing,
accent and any identifying markers.
This information could help you
later on if your captor manages
to evade the authorities.
In a group hostage situation,
try to find sneaky ways to
communicate and organize with
your fellow captives.
But don’t get caught.
Because the price could be fatal.
If you feel like a rescue operation
is imminent, quietly get on
the ground or behind a barrier.
During a chaotic showdown, rescuers can’t
always tell the good and bad guys apart.
And you definitely don’t want to
get caught in the crossfire.
Once you’ve been rescued, you
won’t be a free bird right away.
The authorities will need to interrogate
you as part of their investigation.
And, I hate to break it to you,
but this entire ordeal will leave you
with a lot of unprocessed trauma.
Seek help from a psychologist and lean
on your supportive family and friends.
If you’ve started to withdraw from
social situations, don’t worry, we have
a video to help you through that too,
right here on How to Survive.