Learn Tactical Emergency Medicine: One Way To Prepare for Tragedy

Alan Cohen contributed to this report

Two weeks after the Boston Marathon bombings, there's new awareness of what bystanders can do during a tragedy, including helping people who are injured.

Masada Tactical in Pikesville, a security training and consulting group that also offers security services, holds regular classes about how to help in an emergency.

The next such class, "Tactical Emergency Medicine," is set for 1-5 p.m. Sunday at the studio, 1414 Reisterstown Road. The cost is $50.

BK Blankchtein, owner of Masada Tactical, and a former member of the Israel Defense Forces in counterintelligence and counterterrorism, said the April 15 terrorist attack "was a long time coming," and that the US is vulnerable to small types of explosive devices.

“I've been saying for a long time, it’s surprising we didn't see more here in the US," he said. "We have been very lucky until now.”

He said he believes the US “we will see more," similary attacks and are not prepared to deal with them.

One way to prepare is to practice emergency first-aid, he said. Another is to learn self-defense skills that can help in a variety of situations.

At his studio, Blankchtein and his other instructors teach self defense and security measures through Blankchtein's Israel Combat System. It's based on techniques used by the Israel Defense Forces, and they're updated based on what the IDF is using currently.

Masada Tactical teaches civilians through its Civilian Division, as well as law enforcement and health care professionals through its Tactical and Health System Divisions.

The Wednesday class is open to all. To register, call the studio at 410-415-6015. Attendees can also respond on the seminar Facebook page.

Otherwise, is there other hope in light of the Boston tragedy? "People have to understand … that this is all about creating fear," Blankchtein said of the marathon bombings, as well as other terrorist attacks such as 9-11 and Times Square.

"If we get back to a normal life and keep moving forward, then we are not giving [the terrorists] the upper hand,” he said.

The Boston Marathon bombings April 15 killed three people, including an 8-year-old, and injured more than 260, according to a Huffington Post report Saturday.

Baltimore County resident Erika Brannock of Cockeysville was among the injured. She has had her left leg amputated due to the bombings, according to a Baltimore Sun report. Her sister, Nicole Gross, and Gross' husband, Michael were also injured.