First Aid for Competitive Shooters: Gear, Training, and Range Safety

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On October 23, 2025, during the pre-match stages of the USPSA Race Gun Nationals in Hurricane, Utah, a competitor experienced a negligent discharge on the draw. The round went into his leg.

Here’s what saved him from a potentially worse outcome: trained range officers and staff who immediately rendered first aid until EMS arrived. The competitor was treated at a local hospital and released the same day. Over 600 shooters were at that match. The competition proceeded as planned.

That’s the best-case scenario. Trained people. Proper equipment. Swift response. A story that ends with someone going home instead of a tragedy.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth most competitors don’t think about: that level of preparation isn’t guaranteed. In fact, at most matches, it’s the exception rather than the rule.

The Reality of Medical Support at Shooting Competitions

Let me be clear upfront: major matches generally have medical support in place. Whether it’s a designated safety officer with trauma training, a volunteer medic, or a formal emergency action plan, organizations like USPSA, PCSL, The Tactical Games, PRS, and every Major Match Director take this seriously. That’s why the Hurricane incident ended the way it did—trained staff responded immediately.

Any established shooting range will typically have basic trauma kits (even an AED if they can store it properly) and an emergency response plan—often mandated by their insurance. And at local matches, you’d be surprised how often there’s a paramedic, EMT, firefighter, nurse or other medical professional on the squad. That’s the type of crowd this sport attracts.

But here’s the thing: none of that should be taken for granted. And none of it changes the fundamental problem of geography and response times.

The EMS Response Time Problem

Most shooting ranges—especially the ones that host action shooting sports—aren’t exactly in downtown metro areas. They’re out in the country. Up dirt roads. Behind gates. Sometimes without reliable cell service.

Even when a range has a solid emergency plan and trained personnel on site, EMS still has to get there. A 2025 analysis of over 69 million EMS calls found that rural emergency response takes an average of 20 minutes longer than the national average. The median EMS response time in rural areas is 14+ minutes, compared to 7 minutes in urban zones. Nearly 1 in 10 rural encounters wait almost 30 minutes just for EMS to arrive.

And that’s for locations with actual addresses. Many ranges are on private property without clear signage. Someone has to meet the ambulance at the main road and guide them in.

Now consider this: a person with severe bleeding from a gunshot wound can die in under five minutes.

You see the math problem here. Even with a plan, even with trained people on site, that gap between injury and professional medical care has to be filled by someone. That someone might need to be you.

What Actually Happens at Ranges and Matches

Before we go further, let’s get some perspective. Competitive shooting is remarkably safe. Unintentional firearm fatalities in the U.S. hit their lowest point since 1903 in 2018—just 458 nationwide, with over 52 million Americans participating in shooting sports. Fatal competition accidents are extremely rare.

But “rare” doesn’t mean “never.” And serious injuries aren’t the only things you need to prepare for.

The Stuff That Actually Happens

I’ve been at matches where competitors caught spalling from steel targets—those little fragments of jacket material that kick back and embed in skin. It’s not life-threatening, but it bleeds, it hurts, and you need to deal with it. Same thing with T-posts that take a close shot and send metal shards back at shooters and spectators. This is why eye protection isn’t optional.

Most match injuries I’ve witnessed aren’t even firearm-related:

  • Heat exhaustion and heat stroke — I’ve seen competitors go down after shooting all day in August heat, even when they thought they were hydrating enough
  • Burns from grabbing hot barrels — especially during 3-Gun when you’re quad-loading a shotgun and your hand finds that 400-degree barrel
  • Rolled ankles and falls — running between positions on uneven ground, especially at outdoor venues
  • Cuts and abrasions — from navigating stages, handling barricades, or sliding into positions
  • Severe sunburn — eight hours on an exposed range will cook you if you’re not prepared
  • Brass burns — hot casings finding their way down collars or into boots
  • Slide bite and hammer bite — improper grip meeting reciprocating parts

None of these are emergencies on their own. But a minor problem becomes a bigger problem when you can’t address it. Heat exhaustion becomes heat stroke. A cut gets infected. A burned hand affects your grip for the rest of the match.

When Things Get Serious

The Hurricane, Utah incident wasn’t the first serious injury at a major match, and it won’t be the last. In 2020, a range officer was fatally shot at a Michigan USPSA match when a competitor’s pistol fell during “Load and Make Ready” and discharged on impact with concrete.

These incidents are statistical outliers. But when you’re standing next to someone who just took a round through their leg, statistics don’t matter. What matters is whether someone nearby has a tourniquet and knows how to use it.

Why Every Shooter Should Carry an IFAK

IFAK stands for Individual First Aid Kit. The name matters. It’s “individual” because it’s yours—it goes where you go, and it’s designed to treat you or the person next to you.

There’s an old saying in tactical medicine: “Your IFAK is for you. Your buddy’s IFAK is for treating them.” The idea is that if you’re injured badly enough to need your own kit, you probably can’t access it yourself. Someone else will use it on you.

That only works if everyone carries one.

What Should Be in a Shooter's IFAK?

Based on Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) guidelines—the same standards used by the U.S. military—here’s what a shooter’s IFAK should contain:

  1. Tourniquet — CoTCCC-approved (CAT Gen 7, SOFTT-W, or SAM XT). This is the most important item.
  2. Hemostatic gauze — QuikClot Combat Gauze or Celox Rapid for wound packing
  3. Pressure bandage — Israeli Bandage (Emergency Trauma Dressing), 4″ or 6″
  4. Chest seal — Vented type, twin pack (HyFin or HALO). Always vented—they prevent tension pneumothorax.
  5. Compressed gauze — Z-folded for wound packing
  6. Nitrile gloves — 2 pairs minimum
  7. Trauma shears — to cut away clothing
  8. Medical tape — 1″ x 10 yards
  9. Permanent marker — for writing tourniquet application time on the patient’s forehead

Why the Tourniquet Is Non-Negotiable

Military data is stark on this point. Casualties who needed tourniquets but didn’t receive them had a 0% survival rate. Those who did receive tourniquets? 87% survival.

Civilian studies show similar results. Prehospital tourniquet application is associated with a six-fold reduction in mortality for patients with peripheral vascular injuries. Death from hemorrhagic shock drops from 14% with hospital-applied tourniquets to 3% when applied before EMS arrival.

The CAT Gen 7 (Combat Application Tourniquet) is the most widely used globally and is the official tourniquet of the U.S. Army. It runs about $30 and weighs 2.2 ounces. There’s no excuse not to have one.

Pre-Built vs. DIY Kits

You can build your own IFAK for $80-120 if you source components individually. Pre-built kits from reputable manufacturers typically run $100-200 and save you the hassle of assembly while ensuring component compatibility.

I carry the RTS Tactical Rapid Deploy IFAK with CAT Tourniquet. It’s belt-mounted for quick access, uses quality components, and deploys with one hand. The pouch is 500D Cordura with MOLLE compatibility, so it works on a duty belt, range belt, or plate carrier. RTS Tactical also offers a version with the Complete Belt-Mount IFAK that includes hemostatic gauze, Israeli bandage, HyFin chest seals, and all the essentials in one package.

For my range bag, I keep a more comprehensive MyMedic MyFAK. It’s designed for 2-3 people and includes trauma supplies plus everyday first aid items—the minor stuff like band-aids, burn gel, and antiseptic that you actually use more often. The Pro version has expanded trauma gear for serious incidents.

Get Trained: Knowledge Matters More Than Gear

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: an IFAK without training is just expensive weight in your range bag. Carrying a tourniquet you don’t know how to apply correctly is like carrying an unloaded gun for self-defense.

I’m not a medical professional. I can’t give you medical advice, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. What I can tell you is that training exists, it’s accessible, and it could make you the person who saves a life instead of the person standing around hoping someone else knows what to do.

Stop the Bleed (Start Here)

If you do nothing else, take a Stop the Bleed course. It’s a national program developed by the Department of Homeland Security, American College of Surgeons, and Department of Defense based on lessons from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The course covers direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet application. It takes 60-90 minutes. And here’s the best part: it’s usually free.

Over 5 million people have been trained through Stop the Bleed. Studies show that in-person training results in 88% correct tourniquet application—significantly better than online instruction alone.

Find a course near you at stopthebleed.org. Local hospitals, fire departments, and EMS agencies often host them.

TECC (Tactical Emergency Casualty Care)

If you want to go deeper, TECC is the civilian adaptation of military Tactical Combat Casualty Care principles. It’s offered through the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

The TECC-LEO course runs about 8 hours and costs $150-350 depending on the provider. It covers the MARCH assessment (Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia), hemorrhage control, wound packing, chest seals, and working under stress.

This is solid training for active competitors, especially if you’re an RSO or work matches regularly.

Dark Angel Medical D.A.R.T.

If you can swing a two-day course, Dark Angel Medical’s Direct Action Response Training is specifically designed for the shooting community. The instructors have competitive shooting backgrounds—the founder teaches at SIG Sauer Academy.

D.A.R.T. costs $300-400 for 16 hours and includes ACS B-CON certification. It’s heavily scenario-based with realistic simulated injuries. They also travel to gun clubs and ranges nationwide.

Their “Simplicity Under Stress” approach resonates with shooters. When your heart rate spikes and fine motor control goes out the window, you need procedures you can execute without thinking.

Recommended Training Progression

Minimum (Every shooter):

  1. Stop the Bleed (FREE, 60-90 minutes)
  2. Basic CPR/AED ($30-50, 2 hours)

Intermediate (Active competitors, RSOs):

  • Everything above, plus TECC-LEO (8 hours, $150-350)

Advanced (Match directors, range safety personnel):

  • Everything above, plus Dark Angel D.A.R.T. or full TECC Provider course

Heat Illness: The Threat You're Probably Ignoring

I’ve seen more competitors go down from heat than from anything firearm-related. We spend all day in the sun, often in dark clothing, wearing gear, expending physical and mental energy—and somehow think we’re immune to the same heat illness that takes down athletes in every other sport.

Heat-related illness is the leading cause of death or disability among high school athletes. It doesn’t care that you’re a grown adult who “knows their limits.”

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: Know the Difference

This distinction matters because heat exhaustion is manageable on-site. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can kill.

Heat Exhaustion (treatable at the range):

  • Heavy sweating, cool/pale/clammy skin
  • Muscle cramps, headache, weakness
  • Nausea, dizziness, fast but weak pulse
  • Mental status is NORMAL — the person can talk clearly and knows where they are

Heat Stroke (CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY):

  • Core temperature above 104°F (40°C)
  • Altered mental status — confusion, slurred speech, irrational behavior, seizures, unconsciousness
  • Hot, red skin (may be dry OR sweaty)
  • Rapid, strong pulse

The key differentiator is mental status. If someone is confused, acting strangely, or can’t answer simple questions, assume heat stroke and call 911.

What to Watch For in Your Squadmates

You’re not going to be monitoring everyone’s temperature. But you can watch for warning signs:

  • Stopping mid-stage for no apparent reason
  • Stumbling or poor coordination
  • Talking strangely or not responding appropriately
  • Unusual irritability
  • Glazed look or confusion
  • Stopping sweating despite continued heat exposure (late, dangerous sign)

Prevention Is the Best Treatment

Hydration guidelines for outdoor matches:

  • Pre-match: 16-24 oz water 2-3 hours before; 8-16 oz 15-20 minutes before start
  • During match: 5-8 oz every 15-20 minutes. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty—thirst means you’re already behind.
  • Post-match: 16-24 oz for every pound of body weight lost

For activities over 90 minutes (most matches), add electrolytes. Sports drinks, salt tablets, or electrolyte packets help replace what you’re sweating out. Plain water alone can actually make things worse if you’re sweating heavily—you can dilute your sodium levels.

If you’re traveling to a hot climate for a major match, arrive at least 5-7 days early to acclimatize. Full acclimatization takes 10-14 days.

Field Treatment for Heat Illness

For heat exhaustion:

  1. Move them to shade or an air-conditioned vehicle
  2. Remove unnecessary clothing and gear
  3. Lie them down with legs elevated
  4. Apply cool water to skin and fan for evaporation
  5. Give cool fluids if conscious and able to drink
  6. Cool towels on neck, armpits, and groin
  7. Monitor for 30 minutes—improvement should be noticeable

For heat stroke (after calling 911):

  1. Move to shade
  2. Begin aggressive cooling IMMEDIATELY
  3. Remove clothing and equipment
  4. Do NOT give fluids if unconscious or confused
  5. Continue cooling until EMS arrives

The mantra for heat stroke is “Cool First, Transport Second.” Aggressive cooling on-site saves lives. Cold water immersion is the gold standard, but at a range, the TACO method works: place the person on a tarp, have people hold the edges up to form a bowl, pour ice water in, and continuously slosh it over their body.

Lead Exposure: The Slow-Burn Hazard Nobody Talks About

This isn’t a first aid topic, but it belongs in any serious discussion about shooter safety. Lead exposure won’t send you to the ER today, but chronic elevated blood lead levels can cause lasting damage—and competitive shooters are at higher risk than the general population.

A review of 36 studies found that shooters frequently have blood lead levels well above the general population’s typical 1-2 µg/dL. In 31 of those studies, some shooters exceeded 10 µg/dL. In 15 studies, levels exceeded 40 µg/dL—the threshold where symptoms like abdominal pain, joint pain, fatigue, and cognitive effects start showing up.

How Shooters Get Exposed

Lead is in most ammunition—both in the primer and the projectile itself. When you fire a round, lead particles are released into the air as fumes and fine dust. But that’s not the only exposure route, and for competitive shooters, it’s not necessarily the biggest one.

Resetting steel targets is a major exposure source that most shooters never think about. When a bullet impacts steel, the jacket ruptures and lead core fragments coat the target surface. Every time you walk downrange to reset poppers or paint plates, you’re putting your hands on lead residue. Then you touch your face, grab a snack, adjust your ear pro—and now it’s in your system.

Indoor ranges concentrate lead in enclosed spaces. Even well-ventilated facilities accumulate lead dust on surfaces, floors, and in the air. If you train indoors regularly, your exposure is significantly higher than outdoor-only shooters.

Handling brass and reloading exposes you to lead on spent casings and primers. If you reload your own ammunition, you’re handling lead components directly.

Cleaning firearms pushes lead residue out of your barrel and action—onto your hands, your cleaning mat, and into the air.

Take-home contamination is real. Lead dust sticks to your clothes, shoes, hair, and gear. You track it into your car and your home. If you have kids, this matters a lot—children are far more vulnerable to lead’s effects than adults.

How to Reduce Your Exposure

The good news: lead exposure is manageable with basic hygiene practices. None of this is complicated.

Wash your hands—with cold water. Wash before you eat, drink, smoke, or touch your face. Wash before you use the bathroom (you don’t want lead transferred to sensitive tissue). Use cold water because warm water opens your pores and can actually increase absorption. Soap and water works, but specialized lead removal wipes like D-Lead are more effective—they remove about 98% of lead residue compared to soap alone.

Don’t eat or drink on the range. Keep your water bottle closed and away from firing positions. If you need to hydrate (and you do), step away from the shooting area and wash your hands first.

Wear gloves when resetting steel. Cheap nitrile gloves work fine. Toss them when you’re done rather than contaminating your range bag.

Designate “range clothes.” Change out of them before you get in your car or sit on your couch. Some shooters strip in the garage and go straight to the shower. At minimum, drop your range clothes directly into the washing machine and wash them separately from family laundry.

Shower after shooting. Use cool water and wash your hair—lead dust settles there too.

Consider your ammo choices. Jacketed and coated bullets (like Federal Syntech) release significantly less lead than exposed lead projectiles. Not always practical for competition, but worth considering for high-volume practice.

Get tested if you shoot frequently. A simple blood test can tell you your lead level. If you’re shooting multiple matches per month, training at indoor ranges, or reloading your own ammo, talk to your doctor about periodic testing. It’s the only way to know if your mitigation practices are working.

Important: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer does nothing for lead. It’s great for germs, useless for heavy metals. You need actual washing with soap and water or lead-specific wipes.

Beyond the Range: Everyday Preparedness

Everything I’ve covered here applies beyond shooting sports. That tourniquet on your range belt? It’s just as useful in a car accident. The Stop the Bleed training? Works on construction injuries, farm accidents, kitchen mishaps.

Bystanders are always first on scene in any emergency. EMS response times in urban areas average 7 minutes. In rural areas, double that or worse. The skills and equipment to control bleeding until professionals arrive aren’t just for competitors—they’re for anyone who wants to be useful when things go wrong.

I keep an IFAK in my range bag, one in my truck, and a smaller blowout kit in my everyday carry bag. Overkill? Maybe. But gear doesn’t help if it’s not with you.

The Bottom Line

Competitive shooting is safe. The odds of a serious injury at any given match are tiny. But those odds aren’t zero, and when something does happen, the outcome depends entirely on who’s standing nearby and what they can do.

At the Hurricane incident, trained staff made the difference between a scary story and a tragedy. The competitor went home the same day because people around him were prepared.

You don’t get to choose when something goes wrong. But you do get to choose whether you’ll be the prepared squadmate or the one standing around wishing you’d done something beforehand.

Get trained. Build a kit. Be the person your squad can count on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the minimum first aid gear every shooter should carry?

At minimum: a CoTCCC-approved tourniquet (CAT Gen 7, SOFTT-W, or SAM XT) and nitrile gloves. That's the bare floor. A complete belt-mounted IFAK adds compressed gauze, a pressure bandage, and chest seals—everything you need to address the most common life-threatening injuries until EMS arrives.

Do tourniquets expire?

Tourniquets have no official expiration date if stored properly—unused, in protective packaging, away from extreme heat/cold and direct sunlight. Inspect yours monthly for frayed fabric, cracked plastic components, and velcro condition. Replace if you see damage.

Should I keep my IFAK on my belt or in my range bag?

Both, ideally. A belt-mounted IFAK is always on you—if something happens mid-stage, you don't need to run back to the staging area. A larger kit in your range bag can hold backup supplies and everyday first aid items. The rule is: the gear doesn't help if it's not with you.

Is Stop the Bleed training really free?

Through the American College of Surgeons and many hospitals/fire departments, yes. Some private providers charge a nominal fee ($25-50). Either way, it's a 60-90 minute investment that could save a life.

What's the difference between QuikClot and Celox?

Both are hemostatic agents that help blood clot faster. QuikClot Combat Gauze uses kaolin (a clay-based mineral) and requires about 3 minutes of direct pressure. Celox Rapid uses chitosan (derived from shellfish) and only needs 60 seconds of compression. Both are CoTCCC-approved. QuikClot is standard U.S. military issue; Celox is standard UK military. Either works.

Can I use my IFAK supplies to help someone else, or will I get sued?

Good Samaritan laws in all 50 states provide legal protection for people who render emergency aid in good faith. You're not going to get sued for applying a tourniquet to someone who's bleeding out. Get proper training, act within your training level, and don't do anything you haven't been trained to do.

What medical support should I expect at a major match?

Major matches typically have designated medical personnel or volunteers with trauma training, plus an emergency action plan. Established ranges usually have basic trauma kits on site—often required by insurance. At local matches, there's frequently a paramedic, EMT, or firefighter competing. But don't assume any of this. Listen during the safety briefing for where first aid supplies are located and who the designated medical contact is. And carry your own gear regardless.

Should I be worried about lead exposure from shooting?

If you shoot occasionally, probably not—but basic hygiene practices are still smart. If you shoot frequently (multiple matches per month), train at indoor ranges, reset steel targets regularly, or reload your own ammunition, lead exposure is worth taking seriously. Wash your hands with cold water before eating, wear gloves when resetting steel, designate specific range clothes, and consider periodic blood lead testing. The risks are manageable with simple precautions.

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Train hard. Shoot safe. Be prepared.