RSO Emergency Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A shooter's semi-automatic pistol fires continuously without the shooter pulling the trigger (runaway gun). What should the RSO command?
- Keep the gun pointed downrange and release the magazine, then clear the chamber when empty (Correct answer)
- Grab the firearm immediately to prevent further firing
- Command the shooter to drop the weapon immediately on the ground
- Have the shooter engage the safety while pointed at the ground
Correct answer: Keep the gun pointed downrange and release the magazine, then clear the chamber when empty
A runaway gun must remain pointed downrange; releasing the magazine will stop feeding and the gun will fire until the chamber is empty.
Question 2: What is the correct order of steps when a shooter reports a suspected hangfire?
- Keep firearm pointed downrange for 30 seconds, then safely unload (Correct answer)
- Immediately open the action to clear the round
- Tap, rack, and attempt to fire again
- Point the muzzle skyward and wait 10 seconds
Correct answer: Keep firearm pointed downrange for 30 seconds, then safely unload
A hangfire may fire after a delay; keeping the muzzle downrange for at least 30 seconds ensures any delayed discharge goes safely.
Question 3: During range operations, a shooter near you is struck by lightning. After ensuring the scene is safe, what is your next step?
- Check for responsiveness and begin CPR if the victim is not breathing (Correct answer)
- Do not touch the victim because they may still carry electrical charge
- Move the victim indoors before assessing injuries
- Wait for EMS since lightning victims require specialized treatment
Correct answer: Check for responsiveness and begin CPR if the victim is not breathing
Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and can be safely touched; CPR should begin immediately if they are unresponsive and not breathing.
Question 4: A Range Safety Officer observes smoke coming from inside a shooter's range bag. The most likely cause and correct response is:
- Defective or self-igniting ammunition — move the bag away from people and contact emergency services (Correct answer)
- Overheated firearm — open the bag carefully and let it air out
- Chemical fire — smother the bag with a jacket to deprive it of oxygen
- Electrical fire — cut power to the range immediately
Correct answer: Defective or self-igniting ammunition — move the bag away from people and contact emergency services
Spontaneous combustion of faulty ammunition or primers in a bag requires evacuation of the area and emergency services, not manual intervention.
Question 5: A shooter presents with pale, clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, and confusion after a range accident. The RSO should suspect:
- Hypovolemic (blood loss) shock and treat by controlling bleeding and keeping the person calm and warm (Correct answer)
- Heat exhaustion and treat with cold water immersion
- Anaphylactic shock and administer an EpiPen immediately
- Hyperventilation and instruct the person to breathe into a paper bag
Correct answer: Hypovolemic (blood loss) shock and treat by controlling bleeding and keeping the person calm and warm
Pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, and confusion are classic signs of hypovolemic shock from blood loss following a traumatic injury.
Question 6: Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen standards, which of the following must an RSO do when rendering first aid involving blood?
- Use appropriate PPE such as gloves and avoid direct contact with blood (Correct answer)
- Wash hands only if gloves are unavailable
- Report blood exposure only if the victim is known to have an illness
- Wear a full hazmat suit regardless of exposure level
Correct answer: Use appropriate PPE such as gloves and avoid direct contact with blood
OSHA requires use of appropriate PPE (at minimum gloves) to protect against bloodborne pathogens when rendering first aid.
Question 7: After a serious range accident, at what point should the RSO allow the range to resume normal operations?
- Only after law enforcement or range management has cleared the scene and documented the incident (Correct answer)
- As soon as the injured party has been transported to the hospital
- After 30 minutes have passed to allow emotions to settle
- Immediately, to prevent disruption to other range patrons
Correct answer: Only after law enforcement or range management has cleared the scene and documented the incident
The scene must be preserved for investigation and documented by appropriate authorities before operations resume.
RSO Emergency Procedures 4
A shooter's semi-automatic pistol fires continuously without the shooter pulling the trigger (runaway gun).
What should the RSO command?