Some People Just Don’t Listen

Over twenty some years I have told literally thousands, maybe tens of thousands of people how something as simple as carrying a small pepper spray could save their life, or prevent a mugging or similar act of violence. We now have many more products than we did back two decades ago.

Still, the message falls on deaf ears, and people who should know better continue with behaviors that will eventually make them a victim.

I saw this little story this morning, and thought I would pass it along. It comes from merry old England.

“There’s always someone who thinks good advice doesn’t apply to him. For example, if a doctor advises not to go near a flame, as you are going to be covered with flammable material, most people would take this advice, and not strike a match until the flammable material had been removed.

However, Phillip, 60, knew better than his doctor. Phillip was in the hospital to treat a skin disease, the treatment consisting of being smeared in a paraffin based cream. Phillip was warned that the cream would ignite, so he definitely should not smoke.

But he just couldn’t go without that cigarette.

Smoking was not permitted anywhere in the ward, but he took this setback in stride, and sneaked out on a fire escape. Once he was hidden, he lit up…and peace descended as he got his nicotine fix. Things didn’t start to go downhill until he finished his cigarette, when he ground it out with his heel.

The paraffin creme had been absorbed by his clothing. As his heel touched the butt, fumes from his jammies ignited. The resulting inferno “cremated” his skin condition, and left him with 1st degree burns over most of his body.

He died in intensive care.

Personal protection products can save your life.

Are you listening?

If you’re prepared, you’ll never be surprised,

Michael Gravette