2006-02-13 

An Activist's Guide To Basic First Aid

“We believe that health care is political”

Medical information
From the Black Cross Health Care Collective: (slightly edited)

• Preparation
• Medication in jail
• Pepper spray and tear gas
• Blood, Bruises and Broken-bones

Preparation

What to wear:

• Comfortable, protective shoes that you can run in.
• Clothing covering all your skin to protect from sun and pepper spray exposure.
• Shatter-resistant eye protection (ie. Sunglasses, swim goggles, or gas mask)
• Bandana to cover nose and mouth soaked in lemon-water or apple-cider vinegar, it can aid breathing during chemical exposure.
• Weather-related gear (ie. Rain gear or sun hat)
• Heavy duty gloves (non plastic) if you plan to handle hot tear gas canisters.
• Fresh clothes in plastic bag (in case yours get contaminated by chemical weapons)
• A cap or a hat to protect from the sun and from chemical weapons.

What to bring:

• Lots of water in a plastic bottle with squirt or spray top, to drink and to wash your skin and eyes in need be.
• Energy snacks
• A small medi-kit with bandages, plasters, tape etc.
• Identification and/or emergency contact information ONLY if you want to be cited out of jail in the event of an arrest.
• Just enough money for pay-phone, food, transportation.
• Watch, paper, pen for accurate documentation of events, police brutality, injuries.
• Water or alcohol based sunscreen. No OIL based sunscreen.
• Inhaler, epipen, insulin or other meds if applicable.
• Several days of prescription medication and doctor’s note in case of arrest.
• Menstrual pads, if needed. Avoid using tampons ¡V if you’re arrested you may not have a chance to change it (tampons left in for more than six hours increase your risk of developing toxic shock syndrome)

What not to do:

• Don’t put Vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen or moisturisers on skin as they can trap chemicals.
• Don’t wear contact lenses, which can trap irritating chemicals underneath.
• Don’t wear things that can easily be grabbed (ie. Dangly earrings or other jewellery, ties, loose hair)
• Don’t go to the demo alone, if you can help it. It is best to go with an affinity group or some friends who know you well.
• Don’t forget to eat food and DRINK LOTS OF WATER.