Hey there, shooters! Joshua Stevens here, bringing you another important and timely Tech Tip Tuesday. Today, we’re discussing the very serious incident that happened recently and drawing some valuable lessons from it.
On Saturday, at a rally in Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump was targeted in a shooting. Six minutes into the rally, the attacker, from approximately 140 yards away—or about half a football field—opened fire. The assailant managed to get off six rounds, wounding Donald Trump and killing Corey Comperatore, an off-duty fire fighter who was just attending the rally. Thankfully, the event was secured by good guys with guns who quickly neutralized the threat. Their swift actions prevented what could have been a massacre.
What Would You Do?
If you were there at the rally when the shooting happened, what would your reaction be? It’s a critical question that every responsible citizen should ask themselves. Situations like this can unfold rapidly, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference, especially since we’re not fortunate enough to have entire government-funded security services available to keep us safe.
Cover vs. Concealment
One of the first things to understand in any lethal situation where projectiles are being used is the difference between cover and concealment. Both can play crucial roles in keeping you safe, but they serve different purposes.
- Cover: This is anything that can physically stop bullets or fragmentation. Think concrete walls, thick trees, or the engine block of a car. When under fire, cover can save your life by providing a barrier that projectiles cannot penetrate.
- Concealment: This hides you from the attacker’s view but does not provide protection from bullets. Examples include bushes, curtains, or darkness. While concealment can help you stay hidden, it won’t stop a bullet if the shooter fires in your direction.
Understanding and identifying cover and concealment quickly can be vital during an active shooter situation. Ideally, you want to find something that offers both. In the absence of cover, concealment can buy you time to find cover or exit the area entirely. Unfortunately, big events like this rally tend to be held in places where cover isn’t readily available as it would prevent large crowds from being able to mass and easily see and hear the speaker. This is something to take into consideration if you’re planning to attend something like this rally.
Importance of Medical Equipment
In addition to understanding cover and concealment, it’s crucial to carry medical equipment with you, especially if you know you’re going to be in an area where guns are prohibited. Having the right tools and knowledge can mean the difference between life and death.
At TFirearms, we’re proud to be dealers for North American Rescue, the top tactical medical equipment manufacturer in America. They supply the military and countless other agencies and organizations with medical equipment designed for high-stress tactical trauma situations. We strongly believe that being prepared goes beyond carrying a firearm. Carrying medical gear, such as tourniquets, chest seals, and hemostatic dressings, is just as important. One of the big things I like to point out to folks when discussing medical equipment is that I have personally saved my own life far more frequently with good medical gear than I have with a firearm. Statistically speaking, that’s true for most Americans.
We pride ourselves on our ability to empower people to take safety and security into their own hands. The recent shooting at the Pennsylvania rally drives home just how important it is that we do what we’re doing to help keep Americans safe. We’re honored that our customers have given us the opportunity to do that for them and it’s something we take very seriously. We have multiple members on staff with extensive backgrounds in trauma medicine and personal security who would love to help you learn more about how to keep yourself and others safe in the violent world we live in—even when you can’t always carry a gun.
Conclusion
The recent attack on former President Donald Trump is a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous world we live in. Being prepared isn’t just about carrying a firearm; it’s about understanding how to react, where to find cover, and how to provide medical aid if necessary. By equipping yourself with the right knowledge and tools, you can enhance your safety and the safety of those around you.
These four points will help you keep yourself and those around you safe should you find yourself in a situation like what took place this weekend.
- Identify Exits and Cover: Whenever you’re in a public place, make a mental note of exits and potential cover locations. This can save precious seconds if you need to move quickly to safety. This can also form the foundation of a good plan if something does happen, which will help keep you calm and level-headed, preventing mistakes and injury.
- Carry Medical Gear: A simple IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) can fit in a small bag or even a large pocket. Key items to include are a tourniquet, pressure bandage, chest seal, and gloves. We sell all of these items individually or in various kits. We are also happy to help you build out a kit based on whatever requirements you have.
- Stay Alert: Situational awareness is your first line of defense. Pay attention to your surroundings and the people around you. If something seems off, trust your instincts and be prepared to act. Multiple people saw the shooter getting into position and even alerted law enforcement that he was there. Those people did not become victims of the violence and likely helped prevent an even worse incident.
- Learn Basic Trauma Care: Knowing how to apply a tourniquet or pack a wound can save lives. In the future, we plan to offer training sessions at TFirearms to help you get comfortable with these lifesaving techniques. Until we offer formal classes, you’re welcome to stop by the shop and we can walk you through the processes and point you in the right direction for training.
Remember, the key to staying safe is preparation. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Visit us at TFirearms and let us help you get prepared for whatever comes your way.
Stay safe, shoot straight, and we’ll see you at the shop!
