Introduction

Living in or visiting Moscow brings many opportunities — but like any large city, it also requires awareness and preparation. This guide gives clear, practical advice on personal safety, simple self‑defense principles, and essential first aid skills tailored to Moscow’s urban environment. Use it as a starting point and sign up for local training to build competence and confidence.

Why this matters in Moscow

— Large crowds (Moscow Metro, events) increase the risk of pickpocketing and opportunistic crime.
— Busy streets and nightlife mean you’ll often be moving in unfamiliar areas after dark.
— Cold winters and heat waves create medical risks (hypothermia, frostbite, heatstroke).
— Quick, correct action before professionals arrive can save lives.

Emergency numbers (keep in your phone)

— 112 — unified emergency number (works from mobile).
— 102 — police.
— 103 — ambulance (historically used; 112 also connects you).
— 101 — fire/rescue.

Install the official 112 app (or similar) and enable location sharing.

Personal safety: simple habits that make a big difference

Before you go out
— Plan routes and know metro exit names; prefer well‑lit streets and main roads at night.
— Share ETA and route with a trusted contact.
— Carry minimal valuables; use a secure, close‑worn bag (crossbody under arm).
— Check local transport apps (Yandex.Taxi, Gett, etc.) and prefer licensed taxis or official ride‑hail.

While you’re out
— Stay aware: keep heads up, avoid long headphone or phone immersion in unfamiliar places.
— In crowds, keep valuables in front pockets/bags; place backpacks in front on busy metro cars.
— Use cashless payments and contactless cards when possible.
— Assertive body language and clear verbal boundaries deter many threats.

If something feels wrong
— Trust instincts. Move to populated, illuminated spaces (shops, metro stations, kiosks).
— If followed, change direction, enter a public place, and call 102/112.
— Keep your phone in a ready position to make a call or record if safe to do so.

Self‑defense principles (what to learn and practice)

Core mindset
— Avoid confrontation if possible: *escape* is the priority.
— De‑escalate verbally (calm voice, clear boundaries) when possible.
— Use proportionate force only to create an opportunity to escape.

Basic practical skills to learn
— Situational awareness and stance (stable base, hands up but relaxed).
— Break free from grabs (wrist, clothing) and basic displacement techniques to create distance.
— Targeting vulnerable points (eyes, nose, throat, groin, shins) for quick disengagement — used only to escape.
— Ground survival: how to get back up safely and escape from mounted positions.
— How to use everyday objects as improvised barriers (keys, bag in front) — but be cautious about escalation.

Training recommendations
— Take structured classes: look for schools teaching Systema, Sambo, Judo, Krav Maga, or women’s self‑defense specifically.
— Practice regularly with a partner; drills must be repeated to become reflexive.
— Include scenario training: public transport, doorway situations, crowded exits.
— Check reviews on Yandex.Maps, Flamp, or community groups before joining.

Legal note
— Laws in Russia allow self‑defense but require that force be reasonable and proportionate. Before carrying defensive devices or using force, check local regulations and, when in doubt, prioritize escape and calling authorities.

First aid essentials (skills and immediate actions)

What everyone should know
— Primary survey: check responsiveness, airway, breathing, circulation.
— How to call for help: give clear location, condition, and number of injured.
— Control severe bleeding: firm direct pressure, dressings; tourniquet only if life‑threatening and you know how to use it.
— CPR for adults: chest compressions are the priority (compress at least 5–6 cm depth, 100–120/min); rescue breaths if trained. Use AED if available.
— Recovery position for unconscious but breathing person.
— Treat shock: keep the person warm and calm, elevate legs if no suspected spinal injury.
— Hypothermia and frostbite care in winter; heatstroke and dehydration in summer.
— Basic wound cleaning and bandaging; when to seek professional care (heavy bleeding, deep wounds, suspected fracture, head injury).

Practical kit to carry or keep in a bag
— Compressed dressing or gauze, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes