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We support and promote peaceful protests but should the situation shift, here are tips from our medical team for how to take care of yourself:
HEAD INJURY
Being struck in the head during a protest is a common injury. Wearing a bicycle helmet will help protect you from severe head injuries like skull fractures, brain hemorrhage and reduce the severity of concussions.
Being struck in the head during a protest is a common injury. Wearing a bicycle helmet will help protect you from severe head injuries like skull fractures, brain hemorrhage and reduce the severity of concussions.
TEAR GAS
Tear gas is often used to disperse crowds. If you find yourself exposed to tear gas and experience burning of the eyes or skin, please apply an antacid like Maalox or calcium carbonate onto the affected surfaces, like your skin and wash your eyes with water.
Tear gas is often used to disperse crowds. If you find yourself exposed to tear gas and experience burning of the eyes or skin, please apply an antacid like Maalox or calcium carbonate onto the affected surfaces, like your skin and wash your eyes with water.
BRUISING
Bruising from rubber bullets heal within days to weeks but if you are struck in vital areas like your neck, you may have difficulty breathing. Protect your neck, if you can. If you are struck in the neck and have difficulty breathing, go to the ER.
Bruising from rubber bullets heal within days to weeks but if you are struck in vital areas like your neck, you may have difficulty breathing. Protect your neck, if you can. If you are struck in the neck and have difficulty breathing, go to the ER.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Please wear a face mask. The Coronavirus pandemic makes this a must but a secondary benefit is masks can help protect you from caustic agents like tear gas. Make sure you carry any medications like albuterol if you have an underlying lung condition.
Please wear a face mask. The Coronavirus pandemic makes this a must but a secondary benefit is masks can help protect you from caustic agents like tear gas. Make sure you carry any medications like albuterol if you have an underlying lung condition.
CUTS & LACERATIONS
If you are cut during a protest, first control bleeding with direct pressure then seek medical care to repair the cut. If the cut is on the surface and the wound does not open when you pull the edges, you can treat it with antibiotic ointment.
If you are cut during a protest, first control bleeding with direct pressure then seek medical care to repair the cut. If the cut is on the surface and the wound does not open when you pull the edges, you can treat it with antibiotic ointment.
CUTS & LACERATIONS (cont.)
If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in 10 years, seek medical care for an update to your shot. Typically wounds have 24 hours to be sutured or they won’t be closed and the scar may be bigger. Don’t apply peroxide or alcohol to the area.
If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in 10 years, seek medical care for an update to your shot. Typically wounds have 24 hours to be sutured or they won’t be closed and the scar may be bigger. Don’t apply peroxide or alcohol to the area.
BURNS
Most burns can be treated with antibiotic ointment twice per day after washing the area with a mild soap and water. Don’t apply peroxide or alcohol. If the burn is deep and your skin bubbles, seek medical care especially if it covers a large part of your body.
Most burns can be treated with antibiotic ointment twice per day after washing the area with a mild soap and water. Don’t apply peroxide or alcohol. If the burn is deep and your skin bubbles, seek medical care especially if it covers a large part of your body.
What to carry with you:
Maalox
Bandanas/clean cloth rag
Eye Protection
Hand Sanitizer
Maalox
Bandanas/clean cloth rag
Eye Protection
Hand Sanitizer
Special Note on Protesting and Gathering During a Pandemic:
Wear a mask
Eye protection is ideal
Socially distance when possible
Bring hand sanitizer
Consider staying home if sick or symptomatic
Wear a mask
Eye protection is ideal
Socially distance when possible
Bring hand sanitizer
Consider staying home if sick or symptomatic
