Emergency Procedures Flashcards

An RSO observes a shooter experiencing a hangfire with a black powder firearm (a delay between hammer fall and discharge). What is the RSO's most critical instruction to the shooter?

Answer: Keep the firearm pointed downrange and wait for at least 60 seconds before taking any action.

A hangfire is a dangerous situation where the ignition is delayed. The correct and safe procedure is to keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction for a specified period (typically 30-60 seconds for modern firearms, and longer for muzzleloaders) to ensure it does not fire unexpectedly while the action is being opened or the firearm is being transferred.

A serious medical emergency occurs on the firing line. After calling a "Cease Fire" and ensuring all firearms are made safe, what is the RSO's next priority?

Answer: Activate the range's Emergency Action Plan, which includes directing someone to call 911 and providing critical information.

The first priority after ensuring the scene is safe is to activate the established Emergency Action Plan. This ensures that professional medical help is summoned immediately and that a coordinated response begins. RSOs should only provide first aid to the level of their training and certification.

An RSO hears a distinct "pop" instead of a "bang" from a shooter's firearm, and the action fails to cycle. Suspecting a squib load, what is the RSO's most critical and immediate command?

Answer: "STOP! DO NOT FIRE! Keep the muzzle pointed downrange and await instructions."

A squib load results in a projectile lodged in the barrel. Firing another round behind it can cause a catastrophic failure of the firearm, seriously injuring the shooter and bystanders. The RSO's immediate and most critical responsibility is to stop any attempt to fire another round.

While supervising an outdoor range, an RSO sees lightning in the distance and hears thunder. According to established safety protocols, what is the most appropriate course of action?

Answer: Immediately call a "Cease Fire," have all firearms unloaded and secured, and direct everyone to a designated safe shelter.

Lightning can strike miles away from the center of a storm. Hearing thunder means lightning is close enough to be a threat. The universally accepted safety protocol is to immediately cease all outdoor activities and move everyone to a substantial, safe structure until the storm has passed, typically waiting 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

Which of the following contains the most critical information that must be included in a range's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and be readily accessible to the RSO?

Answer: The physical address of the range, GPS coordinates, and direct contact numbers for emergency services.

During a critical incident, the ability to clearly and accurately direct emergency responders is paramount. The EAP must contain the precise physical address, GPS coordinates (especially for rural locations or air ambulances), and direct phone numbers for EMS, fire, and police to avoid any delay in response.

In the event of a fire on the range, which of the following represents the correct sequence of an RSO's primary responsibilities?

Answer: Call a "Cease Fire," ensure firearms are unloaded and safe, direct shooters to a safe area, and then address the fire according to the EAP.

The RSO's first duty is to the safety of the people on the range. The correct procedure is to first stop all shooting and render the firearms safe. Then, move people away from the immediate danger. Only after these steps are taken should the RSO address the fire itself, following the range's specific Emergency Action Plan (which may involve using an extinguisher for a small fire or simply evacuating and calling the fire department).