Введение

This guide gives practical, realistic advice for staying safer in Moscow: how to prevent and de‑escalate danger, basic self‑defense principles, and essential first‑aid actions you can use until professionals arrive. It’s written for everyday situations — commuting, walking in the city, nightlife and home safety. *Always prioritize escape, calling for help, and legal, proportional responses.*

Экстренные номера и ресурсы (Russia / Moscow)

— 112 — единый номер экстренных служб (call first if unsure).
— 102 — полиция, 101 — пожарная служба, 103 — скорая помощь.
— МЧС России (EMERCOM) — информация о ЧС и подготовке.
— Российский Красный Крест — курсы первой помощи.
— Moscow city services: use official city apps and metro help points if needed.

Личные меры предосторожности (Everyday safety)

— Планируйте маршрут: prefer well‑lit streets, main roads, avoid shortcuts through deserted parks late at night.
— Делитесь планами: tell a friend/family member your route and ETA; enable location sharing on your phone when travelling alone.
— Keep your phone charged and accessible; carry a power bank.
— Stay aware: headphones at moderate volume, scan crowd behavior, notice exits and staff in public places.
— Reduce targets: keep valuables out of sight, use zipped bags across the body, avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
— Public transport: sit near other passengers or the driver during late shifts; on the Moscow Metro use car attendants, CCTV is widespread.
— Home safety: secure doors and windows, use peephole/intercom, do not open for unexpected visitors without verification. Consider timed lights when away.

De‑escalation and verbal self‑defense

— Use calm, firm voice: set boundaries (“Stop”, “Back off”) and create space.
— Avoid escalation: comply with demands for non‑valuable items if your safety is at risk; lives > possessions.
— Look for escape routes and people who can help.
— Make noise: shout “Fire!” or specific calls for help to draw attention.

Basic self‑defense principles

— Primary goal: *escape*, not fight.
— Use simple, repeatable moves you can apply under stress (break free from grabs, strike vulnerable targets briefly to create opportunity to run).
— Keep stance stable, use body weight and hip rotation for power, aim for eyes, nose, throat, groin, knees if you must strike.
— Practice situational drills in a supervised environment so responses become automatic.

Important legal note: Russian law recognizes the right to necessary defense (необходимая оборона), but force must be proportionate and justified. Avoid excessive force and consult a lawyer for legal interpretation of specific incidents.

What to train (find courses that include these)

— Awareness and avoidance strategies.
— Verbal de‑escalation and boundary setting.
— Practical escapes from common grabs, simple strikes, falling safely, getting to standing.
— Scenario training in real clothing and shoes.
— First aid integrated with self‑defense (bleeding control, CPR).

First aid — immediate priorities (DRABC)

— Danger: ensure scene is safe for you.
— Response: check if person responds (ask loudly).
— Airway: open airway if unconscious (head tilt–chin lift unless spinal injury suspected).
— Breathing: look, listen, feel for breathing for ≤10 seconds.
— Circulation: if not breathing normally, start CPR and get help/AED.

CPR (adult)

— Call emergency services (112) and ask someone to bring an AED if available.
— Start chest compressions: center of chest,