RSO Emergency Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A shooter experiences a squib load — the bullet is lodged in the barrel. What is the correct RSO response?
- Command immediate cease fire and have the shooter set the firearm down (Correct answer)
- Tell the shooter to fire again to clear the obstruction
- Have the shooter tap and rack to clear the round
- Allow the shooter to continue and monitor for further issues
Correct answer: Command immediate cease fire and have the shooter set the firearm down
A squib load must result in an immediate cease fire; firing again with an obstructed barrel can cause a catastrophic barrel failure.
Question 2: During an active shooting emergency on a public range, what is the RSO's FIRST priority?
- Protect yourself and get all other shooters to cover (Correct answer)
- Return fire at the threat
- Call 911 immediately before taking any other action
- Secure all firearms on the firing line
Correct answer: Protect yourself and get all other shooters to cover
Life safety — getting people out of harm's way — is the first priority before any other action including calling emergency services.
Question 3: A range patron collapses and is unresponsive. After calling 911, what should the RSO do next?
- Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of breathing or pulse (Correct answer)
- Wait for EMS to arrive before touching the victim
- Move the victim to a cooler location immediately
- Administer water or food to revive the victim
Correct answer: Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of breathing or pulse
Early CPR dramatically improves survival odds from cardiac arrest; trained RSOs should begin CPR while waiting for EMS.
Question 4: What does the term 'sympathetic fire' refer to in a range emergency context?
- Unintended shots fired by one shooter in reaction to another shooter firing (Correct answer)
- Covering fire provided by an RSO during a threat
- A controlled burn to dispose of defective ammunition
- Coordinated fire by multiple RSOs to stop a threat
Correct answer: Unintended shots fired by one shooter in reaction to another shooter firing
Sympathetic fire occurs when the startle response of a nearby shot causes a shooter to unintentionally discharge their weapon.
Question 5: A fire breaks out in the range storage area where ammunition is kept. What should the RSO do?
- Evacuate all personnel immediately and call the fire department (Correct answer)
- Attempt to move the ammunition before evacuating
- Use a water hose to suppress the fire near the ammunition
- Allow only trained staff to fight the fire with extinguishers
Correct answer: Evacuate all personnel immediately and call the fire department
Ammunition in a fire creates an extreme explosion hazard; immediate evacuation and calling the fire department is the only safe response.
Question 6: When writing an incident report after a range emergency, which information is LEAST important to include?
- The shooter's personal opinion about the RSO's response (Correct answer)
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- Description of injuries and first aid rendered
Correct answer: The shooter's personal opinion about the RSO's response
Incident reports should contain objective facts and observations; personal opinions are not useful for legal or procedural documentation.
Question 7: A shooter suffers a penetrating eye injury from a fragment. The RSO's immediate first aid should include:
- Covering the injured eye gently without applying pressure and arranging immediate medical transport (Correct answer)
- Flushing the eye with water to remove the fragment
- Attempting to remove visible debris from the eye
- Applying a tight pressure bandage over the eye
Correct answer: Covering the injured eye gently without applying pressure and arranging immediate medical transport
Penetrating eye injuries must never have pressure applied or objects removed; a loose protective cover and immediate medical care are required.
RSO Emergency Procedures 3
A shooter experiences a squib load — the bullet is lodged in the barrel.
What is the correct RSO response?