Tim
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This could have gone in any of several sub-forums. And, I wasn’t going to talk about it all except the match director has - to his credit - been very open and forthright in making the issue public so we can all learn.
At a match, there was a stage that required re-holstering a hot pistol between positions. A competitor shot himself through the calf while attempting to re-holster. First such incident in 20+ events run by this match director.
The RO had a pressure bandage applied in seconds, he was transported off the stage (not close to a road) and in the care of EMS in 25 minutes. Patched up and back at the venue by the end of the day. He’s doing fine.
Lessons:
1. I’ve RO’d hundreds of shooters and have always thought that holstering is the most dangerous thing anyone does at an event. Especially tired, amped up and wearing/carrying gear you may not be accustomed to. PRACTICE holsterimg intentionally. SLOW down. Keep your holster area free of clutter (clothing, straps, gear, etc).
2. KNOW how to use your IFAK. We all carry one (right?), but do you know how to use it? Get some training. A “Stop the Bleed” course is worth your time. And 1 class isn’t sufficient. Take several, take the same one again. Just do some actual training on a regular basis to stay up to speed.
3. Have a plan before it happens. Having RO’d with this group (though not at this match), I know that it’s typical to talk through ahead of time who is going to attend to the victim, who is handling comms (and what those comms are…phone, radio, who to call, where you are, etc), who is handling transport and who is dealing with everything else (keeping others out of the way, securing weapons, taking notes…)
4. Be vigilant. If you see an unsafe act, or notice someone struggling, it’s not the time to be polite or passive. Step in, speak up and take care of business.
I am really impressed with how the MD is handling this. Good lessons all around.
At a match, there was a stage that required re-holstering a hot pistol between positions. A competitor shot himself through the calf while attempting to re-holster. First such incident in 20+ events run by this match director.
The RO had a pressure bandage applied in seconds, he was transported off the stage (not close to a road) and in the care of EMS in 25 minutes. Patched up and back at the venue by the end of the day. He’s doing fine.
Lessons:
1. I’ve RO’d hundreds of shooters and have always thought that holstering is the most dangerous thing anyone does at an event. Especially tired, amped up and wearing/carrying gear you may not be accustomed to. PRACTICE holsterimg intentionally. SLOW down. Keep your holster area free of clutter (clothing, straps, gear, etc).
2. KNOW how to use your IFAK. We all carry one (right?), but do you know how to use it? Get some training. A “Stop the Bleed” course is worth your time. And 1 class isn’t sufficient. Take several, take the same one again. Just do some actual training on a regular basis to stay up to speed.
3. Have a plan before it happens. Having RO’d with this group (though not at this match), I know that it’s typical to talk through ahead of time who is going to attend to the victim, who is handling comms (and what those comms are…phone, radio, who to call, where you are, etc), who is handling transport and who is dealing with everything else (keeping others out of the way, securing weapons, taking notes…)
4. Be vigilant. If you see an unsafe act, or notice someone struggling, it’s not the time to be polite or passive. Step in, speak up and take care of business.
I am really impressed with how the MD is handling this. Good lessons all around.
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