Misericord Injuries: Ancient and Modern

Abstract

Introduction:The Misericord, or stabbing pike, was a frequently used battlefield implement in medieval times. The misericord was used by battlefield clerics to relieve the suffering of irreparably wounded soldiers. Its cultural parallels include the Roman gladius, the Japanese wakazashi, and the eponymous Liston knife used in pre-Victorian era surgery in England.Methods:This demonstration will analyze modern misericord injuries in the light of the current epidemic of long knife (or zombie knife) attacks in London and the domestic terrorist threat in Australia.Discussion:A review of this weapon is pertinent to the projected low-technology, low-impact, and deep-penetrating wounds expected in urban terrorism in Australia and other cities globally. The talk will emphasize field discussion, demonstration, and disarming techniques against modern misericord-type weapons.