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Information For Protestors IntronIAs a protester, one should always be aware of the dangers, both medical and otherwise, present at any demonstration. This page deals mostly with preparing for medical emergencies at a protest, and medical safety. The links page, however has many links to help protesters deal with non-medical dangers. SummarynIThe following table contains quick links to all of the dangers a protester should be aware of before going to a protest. Each subject contains general information, preventative measures, signs and symptoms, and links to the treatment page. The general section just below the table gives information about general safety issues a protestor should bear in mind during a protest. |
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General Safety
USE YOUR HEAD
PLAN AHEAD: For essential needs, care & supplies. Know what to expect.
Know how to get assistance. How to re-contact your buddies if separated.
ATTITUDE: You are powerful. You can easily withstand most of what the
police throw at you, and you are a warrior for justice. Remember, pain is
only temporary, and we are extremely strong.
THE #1 WEAPON OF THE POLICE IS FEAR. Once you control that, tear gas,
pepper spray, plastic bullets and other police tactics are easily
manageable.
COMMON SENSE: Keep your wits, assess what is going down and what needs to
be done.
BE CALM & FOCUSED when things get most intense. React to danger or
warning signs sooner - not later. Watch for signs of physical and mental
problems in yourself and others. Cool down others who exhibit panic
behavior.
BEWARE OF RUMORS: They are usually false, and foster fear & disruption.
Deal with the known truth.
DOCUMENT police actions, brutality & injuries.
ANGER Intense anger is quite common with pepper spray, and can be useful if
you are prepared and able to focus it. Maybe you can use your anger to
motivate you to recover faster and get back in the action again. Maybe it
will provide you with energy to get out to a safe space.
SAFE SPACE
Always know where a safe space is to treat yourselves, others and to get away from immediate dangers. Ask other to help create a safe zone around a treatment area. Prevent undercover photographers from filming the injured. A safe space is what you make of it & they can change. It can be a doorway, park, alley, or on the front lines in the arms of your comrades. [TOP]How To Dress
As a protester a number of simple steps can help greatly in combatting the effeciency of a chemical weapon's ability to harm you. The following are a list of general guidelines, followed by a complete list of clothing items to bring.
Cover up as much as possible to protect skin from tear gas or pepper spray
exposure.
Wear clinched wrist and ankle clothing.
Avoid cotton and wool as outside layers, which are fuzzy and absorb chemicals.
Wash clothes in a non-detergent soap several times. This is because detergents enhance the effects of the chemicals on one's skin. Castille (or vegetable) soap works best and can be found at any pharmacy.
Wash yourself with castille soap before the protest.
Wear rain gear as an outer layer. This ensures maximum protection against chemicals contacting your skin. There is a trade-off here between comfort and protection.
Do Not Wear:
Piercings, jewellery, ties, or anything else that can be grabbed by the police. Some piercings may be taped over. The following is a list of clothing a protester should bring to a demo
What to Bring
As a protester, there are a few things one can bring to an action to ensure safety and preparation. A more complete list of medical supplies is available on the First Aid Reference page. The following is a list of general items a protester should have on their person.
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Medics Standard First Aid Kit
The portable first aid kit could mean the difference between a minor injury and a desperate situation spiraling out of control.Those items with a star are not necessary for a good first aid kit. Only bring Items you can safely and effectively use.
Items marked with a star (*) are optional.
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