Instructors: Emergency Medical Plans?

[smince]

Based off this thread:
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451845

Those of you who instruct, do you have a plan in case of an accidental shooting? Heart Attack/Stroke?

Consider that many ranges used for training are remote or semi-remote.

Students: is this a consideration for you when taking classes? Or have you ever even given it a thought?

All the pro classes I've taken, we were given instructions on what to do in the event of a medical emergency during the pre-class briefing. I've been fortunate in that every class I've taken has had either a highly experienced ER doc or Paramedic taking the class along with us.

Of course, it could be one of them that gets shot...

So, when you teach do you have a plan adaptable to the range you are using?

Admittedly, this is a rare event.

But it could happen...

[JohnKSa]

I keep my CPR/First Aid certifications current and have a complete First Aid kit on hand. At the gun club, we make a point of encouraging our RSOs and even our members to be CPR/First Aid certified--to the point of scheduling classes for our members and partially reimbursing their classroom fees.

At remote ranges it's good to know what emergency services are available and/or should be expected to respond if called via cell phone. That assumes cell phone service is available. If it's not then you need to know the nearest emergency facilities and how to get there.

[raimius]

I recommend everyone have a good first aid kit available. I keep a "stop the bleeding" kit on my training vest, and have a fairly complete kit in my car. If you spend much time at shooting ranges, you should have some gear to stop/slow bleeding from a GSW, at least until you get get the person to professional medical care.

[skifast]

During the winter I am a ski patroller. Our training is comparable to a EMT-B, but with an emphasis of working outdoors, out of a vest or fanny pack. For those that don't know, patrollers administer first aid on the hill, transport to patient to the base of the hill, continue care in the aid room, package the patient to be transported out by ambulance or by their vehicle.

I get plenty of first aid experience during the winter.

[Sefner]

There is no reason not to. QuickClot kits are like $20 on Amazon. You pour it in the wound. No certification needed.

[45Gunner]

All my instructing is done at suburban indoor ranges with the exception of one, which is a well organized outdoor facility. I keep a first aid kit in my range bag and a fully charged cell phone. Each of the range facilities have first aid kits, defibrillator kits, and phone service.

If we run a class, a "game plan" is briefed to the class before we hit the range. If it is one on one instruction, the student is briefed on the emergency procedures just in case it is me that is need of emergency assistance.

[docnyt]

When I attended Tom Givens and southnarc's combined course, Tom outlined at the beginning where the nearest hospital is and asked the attendees if there were any with First Aid training. There were some of us with medical backgrounds and we were identified voluntarily.

Also when I joined a local range they also identified the nearest hospitals and how to get there, plus an emergency contact person from the range since there are no range officers.

Makes sense to have a contingency plan even if you're alone at the range. There's a QuikClot in the range bag and more of that plus a small First Aid kit in the car.

[MadHatter1]

QuickClot kits are like $20 on Amazon. You pour it in the wound. No certification needed.

Don't think of quick clot as a cure all; it isn't. Depending on the type of product, it can cause severe burn that lead to infection. If its applied when a simple pressure dressing will do, you're not helping, you're making the injuries worse. Make sure you understand the supplies you have, and when and how to properly use them.

I wouldn't attend a training facility that wasn't properly prepared for an emergancy, and didn't brief the students on the plan.

[gearhounds]

My agency's vehicles are all equipped with quick clot kits, EMS bags trauma supplies including O2, and the range house has the lat and long coordinates posted for helo's to locate exactly where we are. I think all ranges should have the coordinates posted as well as a designated area for a helo to land if necessary.

[locnload]

I am trained as an EMT and always have a full trauma kit in my vehecle, often including O2. After 22+ years in the Fire Service I've learned to be prepared for bad stuff to happen at any time. :eek:

[chadstrickland]

Ok ok..im sorry..just if y'all are wondering what idiot picked the "what plan" thingy it was me...I didn't see the view poll results :D...and im not a instructor :)

[hanno]

My trauma plan is simple. When I hold classes, I always have a registered nurse (who is also a certified instructor) with me. She put together the first aid kit I keep in my range tub.

I also wrote the SOP (including emergency procedures) for the range I use.

[oldkim]

Not a difficult thing to plan... Granted depends on your location of your range...

But as an instructor... it's called CALL 911!!!

Do note that I'm a combat medic, a Registered Nurse with ER, Trauma and Operating Room experience.

For any major event... it's the basics people overlook... Basic CPR... Basic - stop the bleeding (hold pressure).

Don't get too fancy with providing medical treatment... as for supplies and any medical care will just get you further into the "hole" from a legal standpoint. Meaning providing care beyond your scope of practice and your ability (competency).

[BarryLee]

I am not sure, but the Department of Labor / OSHA actually might require facilities to have plans to cover their employees. Obviously it is the ethical thing to do even if not required, but just an observation.

[oldkim]

http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3317first-aid.pdf

Every instructor and firearm business is different. I don't have employees nor do I have a hard structure.

Not everyone will have access nor be a "trained" medical personnel. Some may play one on TV but legally you will be outside the Good Samaritan laws of the United State and your specific state.

The basics is "reasonable assistance" within your skill set. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Samaritan_law

But again you need to look at your specific situation.

A plan is always good to have. Make it realistic and update your supplies on a regular basis along with the training...

[ClydeFrog]

Im not a firearms or tactics trainer/instructor but I would HIGHLY suggest any firearms or range instructor to have a few first aid & safety items on hand for range/class related events.
Public safety/supply industry company Galls has a lot of great first aid/emergency kits. See www.Galls.com .
Streichers; www.Policehq.com also has some good trauma medicine & first aid gear.
AED units, shock prevention, gun shot wound treatment & CPR equipment should all be standard. ;)

In 2008, I had a minor but bloody cut on my left hand from a XD 9x19mm pistol on a security re-qual range. My class instructor quickly broke out his first aid bag & provided medical treatment.
I look at it as a liability & risk mgmt issue too.
ClydeFrog

[skidmark]

A short comment - the class where I felt safest was the one where the instructor had a blow-out kit and a general first aid kit, cell phone and the like, along with a laminated sheet with the address and lat/long coordinates for the location (ever wonder how Life Flight figures out where you are?), the direct phone numbers for Fire, Ambulance and Police as well as 9-1-1. All these were gone over in pre-class briefing, and a dedicated cellphone was placed with all of this stuff. A quick run-through of a simulated call for help was done so that folks have an idea of what to say rather than just dialing and yelling "Help!" at the dispatcher. He said he was toying with the idea of a written script with blanks to be filled in by the caller.

Students were given specific assignments (#1 controls bleeding, #2 goes and gets the blow-out/first aid kit, #3 makes the phone call, etc.).

All this added less than 2 minutes to the pre-class briefing.

stay safe.