Safety and Survival Flashcards

What is the PRIMARY purpose of 'cover' during a gunfight, as opposed to 'concealment'?

Answer: To stop or deflect incoming projectiles

Cover stops bullets while concealment only hides the officer visually; confusing the two can be fatal.

An officer is bitten by a suspect during a struggle. The FIRST medical priority after the scene is secure is to:

Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

Immediate thorough washing with soap and water is the first-line infection control measure for bite wounds.

The Reactionary Gap is the recommended minimum distance an officer should maintain from an armed subject with an edged weapon. This distance is approximately:

Answer: 21 feet

Research shows a determined attacker with an edged weapon can close 21 feet before an officer can draw and fire, making this the minimum safe distance.

Which type of radio transmission should be reserved exclusively for life-threatening emergencies?

Answer: 10-33 or emergency broadcast

An emergency broadcast or 10-33 signal clears all radio traffic and signals a life-threatening situation requiring immediate response.

An officer encounters a person in mental health crisis who is armed with scissors. The BEST initial approach is to:

Answer: Create distance, speak calmly, and attempt verbal de-escalation

Crisis intervention training emphasizes creating distance and using calm verbal de-escalation to reduce the threat without physical force.

When transporting a prisoner alone, the officer should seat the prisoner:

Answer: In the rear passenger-side seat behind the officer

Seating the prisoner in the rear passenger side keeps them in view through the rearview mirror while reducing their ability to interfere with the driver.

Post-incident, an officer exhibiting signs of acute stress such as shaking, nausea, and memory gaps should FIRST:

Answer: Be removed from duty and evaluated by medical or mental health personnel

Acute stress reaction is a medical condition; officers must be evaluated and removed from duty until cleared to ensure safety.