Protest Medicine Guide
Protest Medicine Guide
Section titled “Protest Medicine Guide”First aid guidance for treating common injuries at protests. This guide is a reference only — it is NOT a replacement for proper street medic training.
Essential Resources
Section titled “Essential Resources”Comprehensive Texts (Free Downloads)
Section titled “Comprehensive Texts (Free Downloads)”| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Riot Medicine | 486-page comprehensive guide covering organizing, medicine, equipment, tactics | riotmedicine.net |
| Riot Medicine Field Guide | Condensed field reference | riotmedicine.net |
| Chicago Action Medical Handbook | Field-tested protocols from decades of street medic work | |
| Paper Revolution Street Medic Guide | Practical quick reference |
Training Resources
Section titled “Training Resources”Street Medic Training Programs
Section titled “Street Medic Training Programs”| Organization | Training | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NYC Action Medical (NYCAM) | 20-hour course | Gold standard for protest medics |
| Do No Harm Coalition | Bridge training | For medical professionals transitioning to street work |
| Atlanta Resistance Medics | Regional training | atlantaresistancemedics.org |
| Chicago Action Medical | Regional training | Midwest region |
What Training Covers
Section titled “What Training Covers”- Basic first aid and trauma care
- Protest-specific injuries (chemical agents, impact munitions)
- Protest infrastructure and security
- Team coordination and communication
- Psychological first aid
- Legal considerations
Note: Street medic training provides no official medical certification. It prepares volunteers to provide basic care in protest environments.
Chemical Agents
Section titled “Chemical Agents”Tear Gas (CS Gas)
Section titled “Tear Gas (CS Gas)”Symptoms:
- Burning eyes, nose, mouth, throat
- Excessive tearing and salivation
- Difficulty breathing
- Skin irritation
- Disorientation
Treatment:
- Move to fresh air — Get upwind and away from the gas cloud
- Remove contaminated clothing — Bag it separately
- Flush eyes with water — Cool, clean water for 10-15 minutes
- Irrigate from inner corner to outer corner
- Tilt head so contaminated water doesn’t run into other eye
- Wash skin — Soap and water (tear gas is oil-based)
- Blow nose — Clear contaminated mucus
- Don’t rub eyes — Makes irritation worse
Recovery: Symptoms typically resolve in 10-30 minutes
Pepper Spray (OC Spray)
Section titled “Pepper Spray (OC Spray)”Symptoms:
- Intense burning pain in eyes
- Temporary blindness
- Difficulty breathing
- Skin burning
Treatment:
- Don’t panic — Effects are temporary
- Flush eyes with water — Cool water for 15-20 minutes minimum
- Blink frequently while flushing
- Wash face and skin — Soap and water
- Remove contact lenses if worn (after washing hands)
What About LAW Solution?
LAW (Liquid Antacid and Water) — half liquid antacid (Maalox), half water — is widely used by street medics. However:
- Physicians for Human Rights states “there is no evidence that baking soda or milk is better than cool water alone”
- Some sources warn antacid may worsen eye irritation
- Water is always available and effective
Recommendation: Water is the safest, most effective treatment. LAW can be used if preferred, but don’t delay flushing to find antacid.
Prevention
Section titled “Prevention”- Don’t wear contact lenses (can trap chemicals)
- Don’t wear oil-based sunscreen or makeup (holds chemicals)
- Consider swim goggles and N95/P100 respirator
- Bring a change of clothes in a sealed bag
Kinetic Impact Projectiles (“Rubber Bullets”)
Section titled “Kinetic Impact Projectiles (“Rubber Bullets”)”- Rubber bullets
- Foam rounds
- Bean bag rounds
- Wooden/plastic baton rounds
- Rubber pellets / stinger grenades
Injuries
Section titled “Injuries”- Severe bruising and hematomas
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Eye injuries (usually cause permanent blindness)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Cardiac contusion
- Death
Treatment
Section titled “Treatment”- Call for medical transport — Assume internal injuries even if only superficial wounds visible
- Control bleeding — Direct pressure with clean cloth
- Monitor for shock — Pale skin, rapid pulse, confusion
- Don’t remove embedded projectiles
- Document injuries — Photos, notes on skin with Sharpie
When to Call 911
Section titled “When to Call 911”- Any head, neck, chest, or abdominal impact
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of shock
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- Loss of consciousness
- Eye injury (cover with cup, don’t press)
Key point: Maintain high suspicion for internal injury even without external wounds. Low threshold for hospital transport.
LRAD / Acoustic Weapons
Section titled “LRAD / Acoustic Weapons”Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) generate extreme sound levels (137-154 dB) that can cause:
- Migraines and severe headaches
- Ear pain and ringing (tinnitus)
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Nausea
- Permanent hearing damage
Protection
Section titled “Protection”- Earplugs — Primary defense, should be carried by all protesters
- Distance — Move away from the sound source
- Barriers — Get behind solid objects
If Exposed
Section titled “If Exposed”- Limited treatment options exist
- Document the exposure (time, duration, distance)
- Monitor for persistent symptoms
- Seek audiology evaluation if hearing problems persist
Note: Sounds over 120 dB can cause permanent hearing damage from even short exposure. LRADs can exceed 140 dB.
Crowd Crush & Trampling
Section titled “Crowd Crush & Trampling”Understanding the Danger
Section titled “Understanding the Danger”The most common cause of death in crowd incidents is asphyxiation from:
- Vertical stacking — People falling on top of others
- Horizontal stacking — Bodies compressed together or against barriers
Compressive asphyxia can cause unconsciousness in 30 seconds and death in 6 minutes.
Prevention
Section titled “Prevention”- Stay aware of crowd density
- Know exit routes
- Move diagonally to the crowd flow, not against it
- If crowd becomes too dense, work toward the edge
- Arms up in “boxer stance” to protect chest if compressed
If Someone is Crushed
Section titled “If Someone is Crushed”- Remove crushing force immediately — Don’t delay
- Call for help — Alert others, call 911
- Control severe bleeding — Tourniquet for life-threatening limb bleeding
- Begin CPR if unresponsive — Brain damage starts after 4 minutes
- Monitor for delayed complications — Crush syndrome can develop hours later
Heat-Related Emergencies
Section titled “Heat-Related Emergencies”Protests often involve long hours in sun without shade.
Heat Exhaustion
Section titled “Heat Exhaustion”Signs:
- Heavy sweating
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Cool, moist skin
- Slow pulse
- Nausea
Treatment:
- Move to shade or cool area
- Hydrate — Water and electrolytes
- Remove excess clothing
- Cool with wet cloths on neck, wrists, forehead
- Rest
Seek medical help if: No improvement within 1 hour
Heat Stroke
Section titled “Heat Stroke”Signs:
- No sweating (skin is dry and hot)
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Body temperature over 103°F
Treatment:
- This is an emergency — Call 911
- Cool the person immediately by any means
- Do not give fluids if confused or unconscious
Prevention
Section titled “Prevention”- Carry plenty of water
- Bring electrolyte packets (Emergen-C, Liquid IV)
- Wear light-colored, loose clothing
- Take breaks in shade
- Know your limits
Bleeding Control
Section titled “Bleeding Control”Direct Pressure
Section titled “Direct Pressure”For most wounds:
- Apply firm, direct pressure with clean cloth
- Maintain pressure for at least 10 minutes
- Don’t peek — this disrupts clot formation
- If blood soaks through, add more material on top
- Elevate injured limb if possible
When to Use a Tourniquet
Section titled “When to Use a Tourniquet”Tourniquets are for life-threatening arterial bleeding only:
- Bright red blood spurting
- Blood pooling rapidly
- Bleeding that won’t stop with direct pressure
- Amputations
Application:
- Place 2-3 inches above the wound (not on a joint)
- Tighten until bleeding stops
- Note the time on the tourniquet or patient’s skin
- Do not remove — Hospital personnel will manage
- Call for immediate transport
Recommended: CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) — learn to self-apply
Psychological First Aid
Section titled “Psychological First Aid”Street medics provide emotional support as much as physical care. Trauma at protests can be caused by:
- Witnessing violence
- Being targeted by police
- Fear for self or others
- Sensory overload
- Separation from group
How to Help
Section titled “How to Help”- Be calm and present — Your demeanor affects others
- Find a quieter area if possible
- Ask before touching — “Is it okay if I sit with you?”
- Listen without judgment — Don’t minimize their experience
- Validate feelings — “That was scary. It makes sense you’re upset.”
- Help with practical needs — Water, phone, finding their group
- Don’t force them to talk — Silence is okay
Grounding Techniques
Section titled “Grounding Techniques”For panic or dissociation:
- 5-4-3-2-1: Name 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you feel, 2 you smell, 1 you taste
- Breathing: Slow exhale longer than inhale (4 in, 6 out)
- Physical sensation: Ice cube, cold water on face, feet firmly on ground
Protest First Aid Kit
Section titled “Protest First Aid Kit”Build a kit that fits in a backpack. Prioritize items that:
- Address protest-specific injuries
- Are lightweight and portable
- Won’t be confiscated or are inexpensive to replace
Basic Kit (~$50-75)
Section titled “Basic Kit (~$50-75)”For general protesters, not medics:
| Item | Qty | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrile gloves | 10 pairs | Protection | Pharmacy, Amazon |
| Water bottles | 3-4 | Hydration, eye flush | Anywhere |
| Saline solution | 2 bottles | Eye irrigation | Pharmacy (contact lens aisle) |
| Gauze pads (4x4) | 10 | Wound coverage | Pharmacy, Amazon |
| Medical tape | 1 roll | Securing bandages | Pharmacy |
| Band-aids (assorted) | 20 | Minor cuts | Pharmacy |
| Ibuprofen | 20 tablets | Pain, inflammation | Pharmacy |
| Electrolyte packets | 5-10 | Dehydration | Pharmacy, grocery |
| Sharpie marker | 2 | Write time/info on skin | Office supply, anywhere |
| Emergency blanket | 1 | Shock, warmth | Amazon, outdoor stores |
| Small flashlight | 1 | Low light assessment | Amazon, hardware store |
| Phone + charger | 1 | Communication, documentation | - |
Intermediate Kit (~$150-200)
Section titled “Intermediate Kit (~$150-200)”For trained first responders:
Everything in Basic Kit, plus:
| Item | Qty | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT Tourniquet (Gen 7) | 1-2 | Arterial bleeding | NAR, Amazon |
| Israeli bandage (6”) | 2 | Pressure dressing | Amazon, NAR |
| QuikClot gauze | 1 pack | Hemostatic agent | Amazon, NAR |
| Chest seals (vented) | 2 | Penetrating chest trauma | NAR, Amazon |
| SAM splint | 1 | Fracture immobilization | Amazon, Rescue Essentials |
| Trauma shears | 1 | Cutting clothing | Amazon, medical supply |
| CPR mask | 1 | Rescue breathing | Amazon, pharmacy |
| NPA airway (28Fr) | 1 | Airway management | Amazon, NAR |
| Spray bottle | 2 | Eye/skin decontamination | Dollar store, hardware |
| Burn gel packets | 5 | Burns, chemical burns | Amazon, pharmacy |
| Eye wash cups | 2 | Controlled eye irrigation | Pharmacy, Amazon |
Street Medic Kit (~$300-400)
Section titled “Street Medic Kit (~$300-400)”For trained street medics working events:
Everything in Intermediate Kit, plus:
| Item | Qty | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional CAT tourniquets | 2-3 | Multiple casualties | NAR |
| Compressed gauze | 5 | Wound packing | NAR, Amazon |
| Cohesive bandage (vet wrap) | 3 rolls | Securing dressings | Amazon, farm supply |
| Triangle bandages | 3 | Slings, improvised | Amazon, medical supply |
| Tongue depressors | 10 | Splinting fingers | Pharmacy, Amazon |
| Cold packs (instant) | 5 | Swelling, heat illness | Pharmacy, Amazon |
| Oral glucose gel | 3 | Diabetic emergency | Pharmacy |
| Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) | 20 | Allergic reactions | Pharmacy |
| Antacid tablets | 20 | LAW solution if needed | Pharmacy |
| Duct tape | 1 small roll | Improvised repairs | Hardware, anywhere |
| Notepad + pen | 1 | Documentation | Office supply |
| Triage tags | 10 | Mass casualty | Rescue Essentials |
Chemical Agent Response Kit
Section titled “Chemical Agent Response Kit”Specific items for tear gas/pepper spray:
| Item | Qty | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water (1L bottles) | 4-6 | Primary decontamination | Anywhere |
| Spray bottles (clean) | 2-3 | Controlled eye flush | Dollar store |
| Saline solution | 3 bottles | Gentle eye irrigation | Pharmacy |
| Dawn dish soap (small) | 1 | Skin decontamination | Grocery |
| Clean towels/rags | 5 | Drying, wiping | Home, dollar store |
| Garbage bags | 5 | Contaminated clothing | Grocery, dollar store |
| Change of clothes | 1 set | Replace contaminated | Personal |
| Swim goggles | 1 | Eye protection | Sporting goods, Amazon |
| N95/P100 respirator | 2 | Respiratory protection | Hardware store, Amazon |
Where to Buy Supplies
Section titled “Where to Buy Supplies”Online Medical Suppliers
Section titled “Online Medical Suppliers”| Supplier | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| North American Rescue (NAR) | Tourniquets, trauma gear (military-grade) | narescue.com |
| Rescue Essentials | Full kits, individual items | rescue-essentials.com |
| Bound Tree Medical | Professional EMS supplies | boundtree.com |
| Amazon | Convenience, variety | amazon.com |
Local Sources
Section titled “Local Sources”| Source | Good For |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens) | Gauze, tape, OTC meds, saline, gloves |
| Hardware store | N95 masks, spray bottles, flashlights |
| Dollar store | Spray bottles, bags, basic supplies |
| Outdoor/camping store | Emergency blankets, first aid kits to supplement |
| Farm supply (Tractor Supply) | Vet wrap, large gauze, saline |
Warnings About Counterfeit Gear
Section titled “Warnings About Counterfeit Gear”Pre-Made Kits
Section titled “Pre-Made Kits”If you prefer buying a kit and supplementing:
| Kit | Price | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAR Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) | ~$80-120 | Military-spec, quality components | NAR |
| Rescue Essentials Active Shooter Kit | ~$60-100 | Good trauma basics | Rescue Essentials |
| Stop the Bleed Kit | ~$50-80 | Hemorrhage control focused | Various suppliers |
Note: Pre-made kits often need supplementing with chemical agent response items and personal supplies.
Kit Organization Tips
Section titled “Kit Organization Tips”- Use clear pouches — Find items fast under stress
- Color code — Red for bleeding, blue for chemical, etc.
- Label everything — Sharpie on bags
- Check expiration dates — Medications, chest seals expire
- Practice retrieval — Know where everything is blindfolded
- Keep it light — You’ll carry this for hours
Medic Identification
Section titled “Medic Identification”Street medics typically wear:
- Red cross on white background (armband, patch, or tape)
- Clearly marked medical bag
- Visible identification
Note: Medic identification does not guarantee protection — medics have been targeted by police.
Buddy System & Coordination
Section titled “Buddy System & Coordination”Never Work Alone
Section titled “Never Work Alone”Street medics operate in buddy teams with assigned roles:
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Patient Buddy | Evaluates patient, provides treatment |
| Crowd/Comms Buddy | Watches surroundings, handles communication, calls for transport |
Rules:
- Never separate from your buddy
- Maintain visual and verbal contact
- Pre-arrange signals and meeting points
- Know each other’s limits
Communication Methods
Section titled “Communication Methods”- Runners — Physical message carriers between teams
- Hand signals — Pre-arranged gestures for common messages
- Radios — If available and secure
- Written notes — For complex information
Position Awareness
Section titled “Position Awareness”- Know locations of medical tents/stations
- Know evacuation routes
- Have emergency contacts ready
- Check in with coordinator regularly
Legal Considerations
Section titled “Legal Considerations”Good Samaritan Laws
Section titled “Good Samaritan Laws”All 50 US states have Good Samaritan laws protecting emergency responders. Protection requires:
- No pre-existing duty to treat the person
- No compensation received
- Acting in good faith
- A true emergency situation
- Acting within your training level
What Good Samaritan Laws Don’t Cover
Section titled “What Good Samaritan Laws Don’t Cover”- Gross negligence
- Willful misconduct
- Procedures beyond your training
- Care after emergency ends
Know Your Rights
Section titled “Know Your Rights”- Medics must obey lawful police orders
- Courts have ruled medics have “no unique status under the First Amendment that allows them to disregard lawful orders”
- Document any interference with medical care
- The ACLU has sued for targeting of medics
If Detained
Section titled “If Detained”- State you are providing medical care
- Do not consent to searches
- Ask for an attorney
- Document badge numbers and details when safe
Quick Reference Card
Section titled “Quick Reference Card”Chemical Agent Response
Section titled “Chemical Agent Response”1. Move to fresh air2. Remove contaminated clothing3. Flush eyes with water 10-15 min4. Wash skin with soap and water5. Don't rub eyesBleeding Control
Section titled “Bleeding Control”1. Direct pressure with clean cloth2. Maintain pressure 10+ minutes3. Don't peek or remove cloth4. Tourniquet ONLY for arterial bleeding5. Call for transportHeat Emergency
Section titled “Heat Emergency”Heat Exhaustion: Shade + Water + Cool + RestHeat Stroke (no sweat, hot skin): CALL 911Psychological Support
Section titled “Psychological Support”1. Be calm2. Ask before touching3. Listen without judgment4. Help with practical needs5. Don't force conversationResources
Section titled “Resources”Training Organizations
Section titled “Training Organizations”Reference Materials
Section titled “Reference Materials”- Riot Medicine — Comprehensive free text
- Physicians for Human Rights - Tear Gas Guide
- PHR - Rubber Bullets