Have you heard of the series First Person Defender? It’s the YouTube program filmed in Louisiana that puts regular “good guys” into intense, real-life, self-defense situations. During season , I had the opportunity to play the good guy in 2 of the episodes. Now, for the filming of season 4, I get to work behind the scenes.
She Shoots 2 is sponsored by Crossbreed Holsters.
As new participants arrive on set, I can’t help but notice the tense look in their eyes and nervousness behind their laughs. Most have already watched the previous seasons of FPD, so they have an idea of what lies ahead. What they aren’t aware of is the behind-the-scenes work underway before they arrive.
Full masks and neck protection are quite stuffy in the Baton Rouge heat.
Each episode takes place in a location in which participants may actually find themselves: a store, a classroom or maybe even their house. Before everyone arrives, we create the set to resemble the location and include some of the items one might actually find there. I had a great time constructing a convenience store with some cardboard, tape and the various snack items we had available.
Michelle’s finishes creating her convenience store on the set of First Person Defender.
Another huge task before filming is getting all the Simunition guns, ammunition and safety equipment ready. Simunition is a realistic and nonlethal force-on-force simulation training system. We converted the actual working firearms into Simunition guns by changing out the slide and the barrel. Then loaded the magazines with nonlethal marking cartridges. Helmets, groin protectors, neck protectors and gloves all organized on a table and set out for all participants.
Protective gear for force-on-force training.
Prior to the start of each force-on-force scenario, the set is made sterile. Each person is patted down, including the cameramen and crew, to check for weapons. This includes anything that has the potential to be a weapon. Searching the entire room comes next, again making sure no items could be of danger to any participant.
Simulation® non-lethal marking cartridges.
Next, the safety briefing, which includes the following information:
Now, the fun part. The good guy is handed a Crossbreed holster to wear and a Simunition pistol to put in it. She is then given a description of the situation she will be placed in, including what she needs to do once the scenario begins. Everyone puts on their helmets. Then Chris Cerino (my husband, who conducts the training) yells, “In roll, in roll, safety gear on!” The good guy’s heart rate rapidly increases, and finally everyone begins acting out their parts.
Spent Simunition® cartridges.
What will happen during each scenario is anyone’s guess. Once we hear, “End ex, end ex!”, everything stops. Pistols get set down, we remove our masks, and a debriefing takes place. Now the training session starts for each good guy participant to help improve something that hung her up during the exercise. Then, the process starts again: Another similar scenario starts and we watch to see if the good guy applies the training tip she just learned.
Check out the previous three seasons on Gun Talk Media’s YouTube Channel. Then let us know what you learn.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
Kandy, I agree with you 100%. The first time I was shot with Simunitions was at a rather close range. I will admit, I stayed strong until I left, and once in the car I broke down crying. Not only because it hurt, but the stress of the entire situation. Yes, everyone should go through a FOF course at least once. Thank you for the comment.
I can tell you those simunition rounds do hurt! I’m a regular role player with the FoF classes at our range. The classes are both fun and eye-opening! I highly recommend everyone take a class like this. It really shows you how much more training on defensive firearms and a LOT more mental preparation you need in order to prepare yourself for a real-life encounter.