Resources: Medical information
     

From the Black Cross Health Care Collective:
An Activist's Guide To Basic First Aid

"We believe that health care is political"

About the Black Cross:
The Black Cross was formed after the WTO protests in Seattle, to provide first-aid training, information and advice to activists in order to both help themselves and others should they be on the receiving end of police brutality, whether this be a chemical attack or a baton charge, during an action. The following is an edited copy of a pamphlet produced by the Black Cross and distributed among activists in Prague, prior, during and after the S26 WB/IMF protests, with additional information on bruises, blood and broken bones by Dr Dare of the WOMBLES.

 

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 water or vinegar, it can aid breathing during chemical exposure.
  • Weather-related gear (ie. Rain gear or sun hat)
  • Heavy duty gloves 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.
  • 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.

Medication in jail

If you are risking arrest and take medication for any health condition that might pose serious problems were your medication to be interrupted ( such as: behavioural disorders, HIV, diabetes, hypertension) you should be aware that you may not have access to proper medication while you are in jail. A letter from a doctor will help. Three copies are needed, one for the legal team, one for the medical team, and one for you. It should include your name, diagnosis, that you must have access to medication at all times, a list of all meds required and a statement that you can must be allowed to keep meds on person to administer properly, and that no substitutions are acceptable.

Since your name will be on the document, you may want to hide it on your body as a sort of insurance policy - perhaps you won't need it and then could eat it and participate in jail solidarity tactics, but perhaps you'll be worn out already at the time of arrest and will want to cite out in order to take care of yourself. Better to cite than pass out.

Make sure that your affinity group and the legal team is aware of your needs so they can help care and advocate for you.

Pepper spray and tear gas

The first thing to remember about exposure to these chemical weapons is that it is not the worst thing that could happen to you. The hype and fear surrounding them is enormous. But in reality, if you are careful and smart you should survive it with little problem.

What they are

Tear gas (also called CS, CN or CX) and pepper spray (OC) are chemical compounds that are weapons designed to be used by the military and police to disperse crowds and subdue individuals. They are mixed with solvents, and delivered through the use of propellants.

Some people think some of these can cause cancer, birth defects and genetic mutations.

How they are deployed

Tear gas and pepper spray can be sprayed from small hand-held dispensers or large fire extinguisher size tanks. Tear gas is most commonly deployed via canisters, which are fired into crowds, sometimes directly at people. DON'T pick up the canisters without gloves as they are extremely hot. Be aware that the time it takes you to throw it will allow you to be heavily exposed.

How they affect you

Both tear gas and pepper spray are skin irritants, causing burning pain and excess drainage from eyes, nose, mouth and breathing passages. Pepper spray is more popular with authorities as an agent of control because of its immediate pain-causing qualities. It is harder to remove from the skin and has the capacity to cause first degree burns. If you are exposed to either, you may experience:

  • Stinging, burning in your eyes, nose, mouth and skin.
  • Excessive tearing, causing your vision to blur.
  • Runny nose.
  • Increased salivation.
  • Coughing and difficulty breathing.
  • Disorientation, confusion and sometimes panic.
  • Some people report feeling intense anger. This can the useful if you are prepared and able to focus it towards recovery and returning to the action.

The good news is that the effects are temporary. Discomfort from tear gas usually disappears after 5-30 minute, while the worst pepper spray discomfort may take 20 minutes to 2 hours to subside.

For most healthy people, the effects of an attack are temporary. However some people may have longer lasting, more severe effects. People with medical conditions such as asthma, emphysema, cancer, HIV, skin problems should be aware that they may suffer more following exposure to chemical weapons, and in some cases the effects can be life threatening. Women who are, could be, or are trying to get pregnant should be aware that the run the risk of spontaneous abortion or increased risk of birth defects.

Protection

  • Avoid the use of oils, lotions and detergents because they can trap the chemicals and thereby prolong exposure. Wash skin, hair and clothes in detergent- free soap before action.
  • Use a water or alcohol-based sunscreen.
  • Minimise skin exposure by covering-up as much as possible.
  • Gas masks provide the best facial protection, if properly fitted and sealed. Alternatively, goggles, respirators or even a wet bandana over the mouth and nose will help.

How to deal with a chemical attack

  • STAY CALM. Panicking increases the irritation. Breathe slowly and remember it is only temporary.
  • If you see it coming or get a warning, put on protective gear. Get out of way.
  • Blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough and spit. Try not to swallow.
  • DO NOT RUB IT IN.

Blood, Bruises and Broken-bones

The most common injuries on demonstrations are cuts or bruises sustained either by falling over whilst running or following a kicking from the cops. They are usually minor and treatable 'on site' though some will require hospital treatment.

Bruises require little treatment and it may be the case that you or an injured comrade need simply to rest for a while, whereas cuts should be treated with a plaster or bandage. If bleeding is heavy this can be stopped by firm direct pressure on the source for 5/10 minutes. If an artery has been cut and bleeding is severe, a tourniquet will be needed for short-term management but proper medical attention must be sought if blood loss continues.

Use a scarf, bandana, belt or torn shirt sleeve and tie around the arm or leg directly over the bleeding area and tighten until the bleeding slows. Wrap the injury to protect it and get the hero to a hospital - fast. I someone has glass or metal lodged in their body DO NOT ATTEMPT to remove it: this could cause further injury and increase the risk of infection.

If a limb appears to be broken or fractured, improvise a splint before moving the victim. Place a stiff backing behind the limb and wrap both with a bandage. Try to avoid moving the injured limb. This person needs to go to hospital for an x-ray and treatment.

Head injuries have to be approached with more caution than other body parts. Following a head injury it is essential that the person has an x-ray within 24 hours. Again, bleeding can be stopped by applying direct pressure. If the person is unconscious, do not attempt to move them: this could exacerbate the injuries already sustained: seek professional medical attention.

Internal injuries can occur from blows to the kidneys. These are usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, shock and persistent abdominal pain. Get prompt professional care.

And finally ...

Remember the best protection against injury is our awareness. We must be alert and on guard for possible situations where injury may occur and keep an eye out for our comrades. We have to look after ourselves on actions and we hope that this information has been of help to fellow activists. We welcome feedback and further advice in order to provide ourselves with the best protection whilst out on the front-line of the revolutionary struggle.

W@

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Mayday 2001 Postscript

A quarter of the Wombles on Mayday 2001 actions in London suffered some form of injury: the most serious were some sever blows to an exposed head and a sprained wrist. The head injuries occurred because the Womble's helment strap broke. Other injuries focussed on blows to the legs, shins and ankles (better shin pads needed!). However, all the self-protection equipment outlined on this site worked: injuries were only sustained on unprotected areas of the body.... see the Tips page >>>

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