ABOUT 40 women GPs will be shown how to defend themselves with umbrellas and throw would-be attackers off balance at a meeting in Dublin tonight, organised following reports of increasing concerns about security at doctors' surgeries.
The doctors will be attending a self-defence workshop for women GPs which has been organised by medical suppliers, Lorex Synthelabo, as part of its programme of regular meetings. All female GPs in the Dublin area were notified of the workshop, to be given by martial arts expert, Mr David Jervis.
Ms Lorraine O'Connor, medical representative with the company, got the idea for the self-defence workshop when she saw the increasing number of reports in the Irish Medical Times of doctors installing extra security at their surgeries.
"I honed in on females because they are more vulnerable," she told The Irish Times. "They might have to go into areas where they are vulnerable on night calls. If this workshop is a success we will consider it for male GPs also."
"Balance-breaking", and the use of traditional techniques developed for weapons such as three-foot staves and short batons - now adapted for umbrellas and rolled up magazines - will be among the responses to attack demonstrated by Mr Jervis.
He holds four black belts in the ancient Japanese martial art of ninjitsu, which features the grappling techniques of judo, the hitting and kicking techniques of karate and the use of traditional weapons.
Usually Lorex Synthelabo organises a lecture or entertainment for GPs, with a reception and meal, and the evening will end in a five-minute presentation about the company's products.