Medical Emergencies at the Range
Accidents and injuries happen on shooting ranges, though fortunately they are normally minor or no different than you might see in any other outdoor setting.
Most often, people get hurt in ways that can be fixed by a “boo boo kit” or a quick trip to an urgent care facility or regular doctor’s office. Whether it’s a cut from a staple or a target stand, a mild burn from hot brass, or a rolled ankle from uneven ground, a little common sense and basic first aid are all that are needed for these types of common outdoor activity injuries.

Most range emergencies can be solved with a simple first aid kit

A tourniquet and trauma dressing can be helpful for serious injuries
Specific individuals should be directed to perform specific tasks. If an advance plan is put in place, the group can name specific people (and backups if one of those people becomes unable) to call 911, treat the injury as much as possible, ensure all other ranges on the property cease fire, and direct emergency medical personnel to the injured person. It’s important to not add to confusion by having multiple people tripping over each other to help and end up getting in the way, so anyone not involved in implementing the emergency plan should clear the immediate area around the patient.

Basics of the emergency plan can be given before a match during the shooter’s meeting
Having all ranges on property cease fire, and directing all shooters to make the range “cold” by clearing their firearms and safely stowing them away is another way to help cooperate with getting more and faster help to the patient. Because scene safety is a vital part of all emergency response, indicating in an obvious manner that there is no possibility of additional injuries from gunfire on the range will reassure police and emergency medical services that they can enter the property safely. These actions will also keep the scene less chaotic and make it easier to manage the situation.

Case and put guns away to help emergency responders focus on caring for the patient

Example of an emergency plan range map
Many of these principles are applicable to any emergency situation you may be involved in: designate specific people to act; get out of the way if you’re not one of those people; and stay calm and create calm. Everyone knowing what to do ahead of time means saving precious moments in getting help to an injured person. What’s your plan?
Have you ever been involved in a range emergency before? How was it handled? Let us know in the comments below, and make sure you like Gun Carrier's Facebook page.
3 Responses to :
How To Handle A Medical Emergency At The Range