To simulate the gun fights seen in most shows we use an advanced laser tag  system that make our battles remarkably realistic.  This method means we have a  real life, real time combat system that fits seamlessly into the rest of the game. Each player wears a head sensor to register hits.  The type of character (or  monster) you play will determine how many hits you can take before going down.  A  Cyberman may need nine hits to die whereas a human may only take three, which  can be increased with the use of armour or special protection.  The infrared beam from the guns is similar in strength to the one from your TV  remote control, and we direct it through a lens to tighten the beam over a longer  distance - like a real bullet. The result is a safe system that is very accurate and, depending on lens size, can  shoot over 200 meters.  And while our guns are programmed to simulate timed  reload after using a clip or magazine, you never have to worry about buying extra  ammo as with airsoft or paintball.  If you're taken down to zero hits you're obliged to fall to the ground as if mortally  wounded - and many larpers enjoy this opportunity to utter a dramatic death cry.  This need not be the end, however, as field medicine has made major  advancements in recent times.  A typical Medical System might involve two 'smart pills' (which bear a surprising  resemblance to smarties) are usually sufficient to get you back on your feet, or at  least one of them, depending on the colour of the pills.  The colour combination  determines how you were wounded and what handicap you now have. You may be  able to get straight back up with a lucky escape, or you may have to spend the rest  of the game with a broken arm or leg if you can't find a trauma surgeon to reattach  the limb, or be led around for ten minutes by team-mates while you recover from  blindness.  Beware the double red combination, red-red means you're dead.  Even  when you die it’s not game over.  Just see the game runner and he’ll often re-insert  you in the game as a new character/monster.  When you start there are loaner guns and sensors that you can borrow so don’t  worry about kitting yourself out at the beginning, just let us know beforehand so we  can put a set by for you. www.firefight.org.uk (c) UKLTA 2011 / Made with Xara