In a recent interview on the Shawn Ryan Show, retired Navy SEAL Drago Dzieran revealed a potentially life-saving technique he learned during his time in Poland before his distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Navy SEALs.
Dzieran, who grew up in Communist-controlled Poland and spent time as a political prisoner before becoming a proud American citizen, shared insights about handling confrontations that could help civilians avoid drastic outcomes in self-defense scenarios.
“What I learned very quickly,” Dzieran explained, “is that when you’re in a self-defense situation, you need to be aware of what happens afterward.”
The retired SEAL recounted a harrowing experience where he witnessed someone lose consciousness during an altercation. “I panicked. I didn’t know what to do,” he admitted, describing the moment when he noticed the person “turning blue.”
Fortunately, a nurse was present who demonstrated a crucial emergency technique. “She said, ‘give me a safety pin,'” Dzieran recalled. The nurse then used the safety pin to secure the unconscious person’s tongue and prevent airway obstruction.
“If something like this happens, you need to make sure that their tongue doesn’t fall back,” Dzieran emphasized, explaining the technique that could prevent accidental asphyxiation. “The best way is just to use the safety pin, pull the tongue out, pin it to the lower lip, roll them to the side, and just leave them there.”
This technique, while uncomfortable to contemplate, represents the fine line between self-defense and unintended tragedy. By ensuring the person maintains an open airway, the method could potentially save a life and prevent serious legal consequences.
Self-defense experts note that understanding the aftermath of physical confrontations is as important as knowing how to protect oneself. Many self-defense courses now include basic first aid instructions for exactly this reason.
Dzieran’s journey from Polish political prisoner to decorated U.S. Navy SEAL represents a remarkable American success story. Today, he uses his experiences to educate others on personal safety and responsible self-defense techniques.
Health professionals caution that any emergency medical techniques should ideally be performed by trained personnel, but in crisis situations where medical help isn’t immediately available, knowledge of basic airway management could make a critical difference.
