You Are Your First Responder: Why You Should Bring Medical Gear to the Range
For enthusiasts who enjoy spending time at the shooting range, safety is often synonymous with proper firearm handling and eye and ear protection. However, another aspect of safety is frequently overlooked: medical preparedness. This article underscores the importance of bringing medical equipment to the range and familiarizing yourself with Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) techniques, particularly focusing on bleeding control.
The Reality of Firearm-Related Injuries: While most trips to the shooting range are incident-free, thanks to stringent safety protocols, accidents can happen. A misfire, ricochet, or negligent discharge could result in serious injury. In such cases, the minutes before professional medical help arrives are critical, especially when dealing with severe bleeding.
Bleeding Control: A Key Component of TCCC: TCCC, originally developed for military personnel, provides guidelines for managing trauma in hostile environments. One of its primary tenets is bleeding control, equally crucial in civilian settings. Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death in traumatic injuries. Knowing how to stop bleeding quickly and effectively can save lives.
Essential Medical Gear for the Range: Your range bag should include more than ammunition and protective gear. Consider packing a basic trauma kit that includes the following:
Tourniquets: Effective for stopping life-threatening bleeding from extremities.
Hemostatic Dressings: Gauze or bandages treated with a substance that accelerates blood clotting.
Pressure Bandages: For applying steady pressure to a wound.
Chest Seals: For treating penetrating chest wounds.
Trauma Shears: For cutting clothing or gear to access a wound.
Gloves: To protect both the caregiver and the victim from bloodborne pathogens.
Learning TCCC Techniques: Simply having the gear isn't enough; knowing how to use it is crucial. Key techniques include:
Tourniquet Application: Learn how to apply a tourniquet to stop arterial bleeding from limb injuries.
Wound Packing: Understand how to pack a wound properly to control bleeding from areas where a tourniquet cannot be applied.
Pressure Application: Know how to use pressure bandages and hemostatic dressings to control bleeding.
Training and Practice: Seek certified training courses in TCCC or stop-the-bleed programs. Regular practice is vital to maintaining your skills, as in high-stress situations, people often default to their level of training.
Being a Responsible Gun Owner: Bringing medical gear to the range and knowing how to use it is part of being a responsible gun owner. It's about being prepared to handle the worst-case scenario for your safety and those around you.
Remember, when a shooting-related injury occurs, the first responder on the scene is often another range-goer. By equipping yourself with the necessary medical gear and knowledge, you're not just preparing to save your life; you might be saving someone else's. Embrace the responsibility of being your first responder and make medical preparedness a standard part of your range routine.
For those seeking hands-on, practical training in TCCC, Training Arena is excited to offer a TCCC - Immediate Responder class conducted by Grizzly Medical. Dan Bernal, a seasoned US Army Medic with extensive experience, leads this course. His expertise provides participants with realistic and practical skills for managing trauma. This course is an excellent opportunity for civilians, first responders, and firearm enthusiasts to gain valuable life-saving skills under the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced instructor.
