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DAISY Youth Firearm Safety Training At Gander Outdoors, Bartow, Florida

FREE kids’ firearms safety training

FREE kids’ firearms safety training event, teaching the NRA’s 3 principles of firearms safety.

In-Gauge of Polk County will be hosting a DAISY inflatable BB firearms safety training range at the Gander Outdoors Grand Re-Opening Saturday, june 22, 2019.

Gander RV and Gander Outdoors Grand Re-Opening

Join In-Gauge of Polk County for a FREE youth firearms safety training event, using a DAISY inflatable BB firearms training range, at the Gander Outdoors Grand Re-Opening, 7400 Hwy. 60, East, Bartow, Florida, Saturday, June 22nd.

DAISY 2-shooter inflatable BB firearms safety training range.

This will be a FREE kids’ firearms safety training event, teaching the NRA’s 3 principles of firearms safety. There will be hourly prize drawings for range participants ages 6-16, accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

DIRECTIONS: Look for the BIG American flag on Hwy. 60 at Rifle Range Road.
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Florida – Hardening The Soft Target, Not So Much

Repeatedly, it is demonstrated that it is the on scene, immediate responder that either mitigates the assault or totally thwarts the attack.

On May 5th, an article was posted here regarding the 2019 Florida Legislature’s failure to allow private schools and places of worship, that have a licensed school campus on their property, to arm themselves or hire private armed security to protect their lives and the lives of those who attend school or other activities on their property.

On May 7th an article was published on TownHall.com, by John R. Lott, Jr., titled: Armed Guards at Houses of Worship Is Not Enough addressing the very subject of hardening the soft targets (places of worship and schools) against an armed assailant.

Against all rational thinking the 2019 Florida Legislature failed the citizens of Florida. While broadening the protection of public school students, allowing teachers to be trained and armed, the Florida Legislature left both those students who attend private schools and young people and adults alike, who attend school or worship services on property owned by faith based organizations and shared with a school campus, to the wolves.

Under current Florida law, private school campuses remain gun free zones. That means gun free zones at ALL times, even when classes are NOT in session, i.e., Saturdays, Sundays, summer break.

Against all rational thinking the 2019 Florida Legislature failed the citizens of Florida. While broadening the protection of public school students, allowing teachers to be trained and armed, the Florida Legislature left both those students who attend private schools and young people and adults alike, who attend school or worship services on property owned by faith based organizations and shared with a school campus, to the wolves.

Yesterday, Tuesday, May 7th another school shooting occurred. This time in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. 8 students were shot, with one being killed. It was not a school guardian or a law enforcement school resource officer that stopped the attack. Rather, it was a fellow, unarmed student, on scene who tackled one of the assailants curtailing the assault.

It has been repeatedly demonstrated that it is the on scene, immediate responder that either mitigates the assault or totally thwarts the attack. Law enforcement only arrives after the shots have been fired and wounded and lifeless bodies are strewn on the ground.

The Florida Legislature needs to be made to know that the lives of those who attend private schools and places of worship are just as valuable as those who work in and attend public schools.

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Brendan Baily, Highlands Ranch STEM, Florida Legislature, SB 1238, HB 403, Florida, church security, school security, Florida, John R. Lott, Jr., Sheep No More

Featured

May – National Stop The Bleed Month

Rapid control of bleeding at the scene of the event can be life-saving.

May is National Stop The Bleed Month and In-Gauge of Polk County will be conducting free Stop The Bleed training seminars during the month of May.

Seminars are 1 1/2 hour in duration and award the participant with a nationally recognized certificate of training issued by BleedingControl.org, in partnership with the Dept.Homeland Security , upon successful.

Blood loss is the leading cause of preventable death in multiple casualty events, like vehicular accidents, shootings, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents.  Significant external bleeding can also result from everyday events such as a motorcycle crash, or a home accidents. Rapid control of bleeding at the scene of the event can be life-saving.

That’s why the American College of Surgeons, FEMA, and the US Department of Homeland Security have partnered together to ensure that:

  • Bystanders have skills &knowledge to provide immediate bleeding control in an emergency.
  • People know what to do in an emergency involving traumatic blood
  • Bleeding control education is incorporated into our schools and workplace.
  • Bleeding control supplies are located in all public gathering locations.

To host or have a free Stop The Bleed seminar conducted at your church, community group or civic organization contact In-Gauge of Polk County at   info.ingauge@gmail.com  or to register for a free seminar go to:  https://ingaugeofpolkcounty.com/register-for-a-class/stop-the-bleed-seminar.


May 23rd is National Stop The Bleed Day.  Contact In-Gauge of Polk County to host a Stop the Bleed seminar at your place of business, church or community organization on May 23rd.

Featured

A Shooting In A Place Of Worship – A Story Of Survival

Looking down the barrel of an semi-automatic pistol, at point blank range, Pastor Howell survived receiving only powder burns to his face and neck.

On December 14th, 2014 Pastor Terry Howell survived an active shooter incident that occurred in the office of his ministry. Looking down the barrel of a .45 caliber semi-automatic, pointed at him at point blank range, Pastor Howell survived the attack, receiving only powder burns to his face and neck.

Presentation Tuesday, January 22nd

In-Gauge of Polk county will host a presentation by Pastor Terry Howell on his story of surviving an active shooter in his ministry.

Pastor Howell will relate his story and provide suggestions of preparedness and how to avoid a similar “Active Shooter” incident in your place of work, worship, ministry or everyday life.

This presentation is the first in a series of “active shooter” training classes being conducted by In-Gauge of Polk County, an official NRA chartered, non-profit organization and will introduce In-Gauge of Polk County’s 2019 basic and advanced level, NRA “active shooter” training classes, including the nationally recognized Refuse To Be A Victim program.

Tuesday, January 22nd
6:00 PM
Grace Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
Winter Haven, Florida
Reservations Are Required
FREE Event Tickets Can Be Obtained Thru EventBrite

In-Gauge of Polk County Church Guardian Training Program
Featured

Gun Shows – Florida

 

Gun Show 12_NO

Official NRA firearm training classes are NEVER conducted at gun shows.
All official NRA firearm training classes exceed the State of Florida’s
training requirement of concealed carry license application.

Those who conduct gun show concealed carry classes do not like us telling you this, but they cannot dispute it.   They want you to believe that just because they are a NRA certified instructor they are conducting an official NRA firearm training class.  Nothing could be further from the truth!

Save time and money taking a gun show concealed carry class.   NOT!

You may think that you are going to save time and money taking a gun show concealed carry weapons class.  Think again.   Add up the costs and do the math:  

  • Parking  . . . . . . . . . .     $10
  • Show admission . . . .   $12
  • Class fee   . . . . . . . . . .   $45
  • Classroom  . . . . . . . . .   90 minutes
  • Travel time to range and set up  . . . .    45 minutes
  • Orientation and live-fire  . . . .   30 minutes
  • Return to gun show . . . .   30 minutes

    Total cost . . . .   $ 67       Time spent . . . . .  3 1/4 hours

OUR

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After taking a gun show concealed carry weapons class and you are left asking yourself:  “Is this all there is?”, bring a copy of your training certificate to us for OFFICIAL NRA firearms training for only $30.   (Regular class cost:  $65)

Certificates must be dated between January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019.

You can save money by just taking our OFFICIAL NRA firearms training and not wasting your valuable time in a minimum required training, “git-r-done-quick” gun show class.
In our concealed carry class, you will fire a minimum of 50 rounds of defensive caliber ammunition on a live-fire range.

In-Gauge of Polk County, Winter Haven, Florida
email us at:  info.ingauge@gmail.com
www.ingaugeofpolkcounty.com

Visit us on Facebook

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Lakeland, Florida, Polk County, concealed carry permit, sun coast, rifle and pistol club, gun show, central florida

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Basic Shotgun Training

Why we teach shotgun handling  –  They walk among us . . . .

Contact us for all your firearm training needs . . .

Training  and  Course Descriptions

Former Vice President Joe Biden once said:  “Buy a shotgun.”

That may be all well and good.  But, learn how to use it . . . . .

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Unfortunately, these folks didn’t . . . 

Learn to do it right . . . .

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Contact us for all your firearm training needs . . .

Training  and  Course Descriptions

How do you know if the firearm training you are about to take is an official NRA firearm training class?  Check out two of our web pages:   Questions To Ask   /  Official NRA Training Class?  and  FAQ

 

 

 

In-Gauge of Polk County, self-defense, shotgun training, firearm training, concealed carry, concealed weapons permit, home defense, NRA, gun training, Polk County, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Florida,

Featured

Pleased To Announce: The return of the NRA’s Basics of Pistol Shooting

The Return of the NRA’s Basics of Pistol Shooting Course – Instructor Led

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If your training certificate does not say “NRA” you did not take an official NRA training course.

In-Gauge of Polk County is happy to announce the return of the NRA’s Basics of Pistol Shooting Course.  It became official today.  Straight from the NRA Training Headquarters.

And, In-Gauge of Polk County is not wasting any time in conducting its first class.

This is the old, classroom method of conducting firearm safety and handling training which most people are familiar.

The course:

  • Is 8 hours in duration
  • Consists of both interactive hands-on classroom instruction and live-fire range training
  • Familiarization with both the revolver and semi-automatic pistol
  • Introduction to the various types of ammunition and its uses
  • Introduction to range safety procedures
  • Introduction to proper safe handgun handling, storage and use
  • Introduction to proper handgun cleaning and maintenance
  • Instruction in the fundamentals of shooting
  • Instruction in proper shooting techniques
  • Evaluation of shooting skills and techniques
  • Evaluation of the participants retention of presented course material

The participant will receive an official NRA student packet and Basics of Pistol Shooting hardcover book.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be provided with a nationally recognized National Rifle Association certificate of training.   * The certificate of training exceeds the State of Florida’s training requirement for its concealed weapon permit application process.

Class information:

The first course is scheduled for Saturday, May 20th starting at 9:00 am, at In-Gauge of Polk County, Winter Haven, Florida.

The minimum age for participation is 16 – Accompanied by an adult.

The cost is $75   * Additional charges if a firearm and ammunition must be provided.

Participants are encouraged to provide his/her own firearm.

For more information or to enroll, contact In-Gauge of Polk County at:  info.ingauge@gmail.com

Florida Lawmakers View Christian Lives As Less Valuable

Christian lives and the lives of children who attend private schools have been viewed as less valuable by the 2019 Florida Legislature.

If you attend services at a church, worship center, ministry or synagogue that has a licensed school on its property or your child attends any private school in the state of Florida, the Florida legislature as twice determined that your life and the lives of your children are less valuable than the lives of children who attend public schools.

During the Florida 2019 legislation session there were two bills submitted by legislators for consideration the would allow those who attend services at churches, synagogues and other houses of worship to protect themselves against an armed assailant. Those bills were Senate Bill 1238 (SB 1238), introduced by Senator Debbie Mayfield and House Bill 403 (HB 403) introduced by Erin Grall and Cord Byrd titled: Safety of Religious Institutions.

Both bills passed through their respective committees with little to no opposition, receiving bipartisan support. However, in the Senate, after receiving 4-Yeas and 2-Nays, on March 25th the bill was sent to Criminal Justice Committee, on April 8th, SB 1238 was “Temporarily Postponed”. I the Criminal Justice Committee, on May 5th, SB 1238 was “Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration“.

On April 25th, House Bill 403 passed its third reading with a vote of 79 – Yeas and 35 – Nays. HB 403 was then sent to the Senate Judiciary Rules Committee where it sat without action. With the close of the 2019 Florida Legislative Session HB 403 was “Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration” on May 3, 2019. The Safety of Religious Institutions bill is dead.

It can only be concluded that the Florida Legislature views the lives of those who attend worship services and private schools as less valuable than those who attend and work at public schools, as this has been the second year in a row the Florida Legislature has neglected the safety of students who attend private schools and those who worship on the grounds that share a Florida licensed educational institution.

Those who attend worship services on the grounds that share a Florida licensed educational institution or attend private schools are left to the mercy of the wolves, without a means of self-defense by Florida lawmakers.

In Florida, when licensed, one can legally carry a concealed firearm . . .

  • when going to the country club
  • when going to watch a movie in a public theater
  • when attending a play or other performance
  • when going to a city park
  • when going to the beach
  • when grocery shopping
  • when going to the mall
  • when banking
  • when dinning at your favorite restaurant

But, not when attending your church, ministry, synagogue or other place of worship, if there is a school located on the property.

In recent months, weeks and even days, agencies responsible for public safety are issuing warnings to increase security at places of worship.


Is there not a mixed message here?

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Florida, church security, SB 1238, HB 403, Safety of Religious Institutions, Mayfield, Baxley, Hutson, Grall, Byrd, worship center, ministries, house of worship, synagogue, Chabad Poway synagogue, San Diego, Parkland, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Public School Safety Act, private school security,guardian training, church guardian

2019 FBI Report on Active Shootings

“In 2018, citizens risked their lives to safely and successfully end the shootings in five of the 27 active shooter incidents. They saved many lives.”

Summary of the 2019 FBI report on 2018 ‘Active Shootings’   

As in past years, citizens were faced with split-second, life-and-death decisions. In 2018, citizens risked their lives to safely and successfully end the shootings in five of the 27 active shooter incidents. They saved many lives. Given this reality, it is vital that citizens be afforded training so they understand the risks they face and the options they have available when active shooter incidents are unfolding.
Summary

The findings in this report are based on publicly available resources, FBI reporting and, when available, official law enforcement investigative data. Though limited in scope, this report was undertaken to provide clarity and data of value to federal, state, tribal, and campus law enforcement as well as other first responders, corporations, educators, and the general public as they seek to neutralize threats posed by active shooters and save lives during such incidents.

  • 27 incidents in 16 states
  • 213  casualties – excluding the shooters
  • 85  killed
Citizen Engagement and Casualties

In five incidents, citizens confronted the shooter.
In three incidents, unarmed citizens confronted the shooter, thereby ending the shooting.

■ In one incident, a citizen wrestled the gun away from the shooter. The shooter fled the scene and was apprehended approximately 34 hours later at another location.

■ In one incident, citizens confronted the shooter (including one who was pistol-whipped by the shooter), allowing others to flee the scene. The shooter committed suicide at the scene before law enforcement arrived.

■ In one incident, a teacher wrestled the shooter to the ground and restrained him until law enforcement arrived and apprehended him.

■ In two incidents, armed citizens possessing valid firearms permits exchanged gunfire with the shooter.

■ In one incident, two citizens retrieved their guns from their respective vehicles, then shot and killed the shooter.

■ In one incident, a citizen armed with a gun confronted the shooter, but no gunfire was exchanged. A second citizen exchanged gunfire with the shooter, but neither was struck. The shooter fled the scene and was apprehended by law enforcement a short time later at another location.

The Shooters

Twenty-three shooters were male; three shooters were female; the gender of one shooter is unknown. Twenty-six shooters acted alone; one shooter may have acted alone.

The shooters ranged in age from 13 years to 64 years. Five shooters were in their teens, seven were in their 20s, seven were in their 30s, three were in their 40s, two were in their 50s, and two were in their 60s. The age of one shooter is unknown.

Eleven shooters were apprehended by law enforcement, six at the scene, and five at another location. Two of the 11 shooters initially fled the scene after being confronted by citizens, and one was restrained by a citizen.

Five shooters were killed. Four were killed by law enforcement at the scene, and one shooter was killed by citizens possessing valid firearms permits at the scene.

Ten shooters committed suicide: four at the scene before law enforcement arrived, three at the scene after law enforcement arrived, and three at another location. One of the shooters committed suicide after being confronted by citizens  

Conclusion
  • A good guy with a gun stops a bad guy with a gun
  • Civilians need to train for active shooter incidents
  • Armed, trained civilians save lives
  • Early intervention and prompt engagement with the active shooter saves lives
  • Shooters may be male or female
  • In 2018 the shooters ranged from age 13 to 64.

National STOP THE BLEED Month

Stop the Bleed empowers the general public to make a difference in a life-threatening emergency by teaching them the basic techniques of bleeding control.

In celebration of National Stop The Bleed Month, In-Gauge of Polk County will be conducting a series of free Stop The Bleed training seminars.

May is National STOP THE BLEED Month and in celebration In-Gauge of Polk County, in Winter Haven, Florida will be conducting free 1 1/2 hour Stop The Bleed training seminars.

Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign and call-to-action for the control of traumatic blood loss. Stop the Bleed is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Stop the Bleed empowers the general public to make a difference in a life-threatening emergency by teaching them the basic techniques of bleeding control.

If you are located in Polk or Highlands County and are interested in receiving training in the management of traumatic blood loss, plan to attend one of In-Gauge of Polk County’s free 1 1/2 hour training seminars.

If you would like to schedule a free Stop The Bleed training seminar for your business, church, civic or social organization, contact In-Gauge of Polk County to set up a training session.

You can register for a free Stop The Bleed training seminar through EventBrite at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stop-the-bleed-bleeding-control-seminar-tickets-59968124274?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dnew_event_email&utm_term=eventname_text

A nationally recognized BleedingControl.org certificate of training will be issued upon successful completion.

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The ‘Stop the Bleed’ campaign was initiated by a federal interagency workgroup convened by the National Security Council Staff, The White House. The purpose of the campaign is to build national resilience by better preparing the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and man-made and natural disasters. Advances made by military medicine and research in hemorrhage control during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have informed the work of this initiative which exemplifies translation of knowledge back to the homeland to the benefit of the general public. The Department of the Defense owns the ‘Stop the Bleed’ logo and phrase – trademark pending.

Engaging the active shooter – Beyond ALICE

Our “Active Shooter” training is real firearms training intended to prepare the participant for an active shooter encounter.

Our “Active Shooter” training is above and beyond any ALICE training you may have heard of or participated in.   Our “Active Shooter” training is real firearms training intended to prepare the participant for an active shooter encounter in the workplace, place of worship, shopping mall and everyday life. 

Our “Active Shooter” training teaches more than throwing books, papers and pens at an armed assailant. Our “Active Shooter” training trains the participant in the safe and proficient use of a firearm for the defense of one’s life, the lives of his or her loved ones, members of a congregation or co-workers.

Our “Active Shooter” training was NOT created by retired law enforcement officers or military personnel, with time on their hands, sitting around a conference table, looking for a way to keep busy.

Our “Active Shooter” training is a nationally recognized, official NRA, advanced firearms training course.  Training includes basic through advanced training.  No prerequisite is required.  The complete course of training is required regardless of prior training, certification or licensing.  Safety is paramount and it must be assured that all participants have the same instruction when engaging in the live-fire range training. 

Successful completion of our “Active Shooter” training provides the participant with a nationally recognized, official NRA certificate of training that can be used for the applying for a State of Florida concealed carry weapons license. Our “Active Shooter” training exceeds the the State of Florida’s training requirement for concealed carry weapons license application.

Our “Active Shooter” training is an intense, 15-hour, training course that will require a minimum of 250 rounds fired on the range using a defensive caliber handgun, incorporating drawing from a concealment holster, firing after drawing from a holster, engaging multiple assailants, while utilizing cover and concealment.

Training includes:
• Environment risk assessment
• Situational awareness
• Mental preparedness
• Psychological consequences
• Defensive firearm familiarization and selection
• Concealed carry techniques
• Drawing and firing from a concealed carry holster
• Selecting and utilizing cover and concealment
• Confronting and dealing with single and multiple armed assailants
• Extensive live-fire range training

Contact us for complete course information or to register for a class. Simply fill out the convenient information form and we will promptly respond to your inquiry at: CONTACT US

Group rates are available.

Customized, private training dates can be scheduled for groups of 6 or more.

Join us Tuesday, January 22nd for a presentation by Pastor Terry Howell on his experience surviving an active shooter encounter.

On December 14th, 2014 Pastor Terry Howell survived an active shooter incident that occurred in the office of his ministry.  Looking down the barrel of a .45 caliber semi-automatic, pointed at him at point blank range, Pastor Howell survived the attack, receiving only powder burns to his face and neck.

Hardening The Soft Target – Church, Ministry, Faith Organization Security

“There is no elegant way to protect the sheep from hungry wolves.”

We have once again been reminded how hate filled cowards take advantage of soft targets.lamb_wolf 01

11 Killed in Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting
Sunday, October 28, 2018

“The shooter stormed the building during a Saturday morning service, fatally shooting 11 mostly elderly people and wounding six others including four police officers, before he was arrested.”

Kroger store shooting suspect tried to first access church
10/26/2018 – Associated Press

JEFFERSONTOWN, Ky. — A man with a history of violence and mental illness was recorded on surveillance video apparently trying to get inside a church in Kentucky before he went to a grocery store and fatally shot two store patrons, police said.

After releasing a photo of the suspect, authorities received a tip from an employee of the city of Jeffersontown who said he thought he saw Gregory Bush outside the First Baptist church prior to Wednesday’s shooting, city police chief Sam Rogers said. The video confirmed Bush’s presence about 10 to 15 minutes before he went to the grocery store, Rogers said.

“We prayed to our God and posted a guard . . .”  Nehemiah 4:9

It is regrettable, but the wolves choose soft targets.  It is our responsibility to make chosen targets as undesirable as possible by hardening the target.  We harden the target by preparing ourselves for an unwanted attack.The Shepherd 01

It is understood that a good many members of any congregation possess a concealed carry license and may even carry a firearm during services.  However, are they qualified to carry a deadly weapon in public?

There is more to carrying a firearm in public then just knowing how to pull a trigger and shooting holes in a paper target.

Our GUARDIAN TRAINING PROGRAM does just that.  Our GUARDIAN TRAINING PROGRAM trains the participant in crowded, close-quarter use of a firearm.

Successful completion of our GUARDIAN TRAINING PROGRAM provides the participant with an official NRA, nationally recognized certificate of training that can be used for both applying for

  • a Florida concealed carry weapons license and
  • applying for a reduction in liability insurance premiums

With the successful completion of  our GUARDIAN TRAINING PROGRAM all members of a congregation’s “security/watch team” will have the uniform training, know the abilities and capabilities of its members.

ALICE Training

You or members of your congregation may have received ALICE training, from a local law enforcement agency and either thought that was all there is available or wondered where could you or members of your “security/watch team” get more or practical defense training.

Our GUARDIAN TRAINING PROGRAM is above and beyond ALICE training.  Our GUARDIAN TRAINING PROGRAM is practical firearms training unlike anything offered elsewhere in central Florida.

Contact us for practical training that will harden your soft target and make it undesirable prey for the hate filled wolves.

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3 seconds will determine . . .

Sheriff Grady Judd:  ” . . . a perfect stand your ground.”

Licensed concealed carry good guy takes out bad guy during a “domestic violence” road rage incident.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd:  ” . . . a perfect stand your ground.”

A long standing axiom, known and taught by those in the self-defense arena, was affirmed by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, during a press conference Wednesday, August 29th, regarding a fatal, self-defense shooting in Winter Haven, Florida.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd affirms that 3 seconds will determine who survives a deadly threat and who will not.   Sheriff Grady Judd:  “You see how quickly you have to make a decision on whether you live or whether you die.“

3 seconds will determine if you are the one who makes the 911 call or the one who is carried away in a black body bag.