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BASIC FIRST AID FOR PROTESTS: A THREAD.
As protests continue, we have witnessed the police being violent. Here is a thread of what to bring and what to know to stay safe, and know what to do to help if something happens. THIS IS NOT AN ALTERNATIVE FOR GOING TO THE ER. Just knowledge to help if someone needs it.
WHAT TO BRING: PPE (masks, gloves), duct tape, gauze, instant cold packs, menstrual pads and tampons, lollipops/candy, band aids, plastic bags, scissors (trauma shears) (be careful with shears, as they can be considered as a weapon).
(cont). sharpies, emergen-c, ibuprofen, aspirin, inhaler, epi pen, burn dressings, your own prescription medication in its original packaging, 50/50 mix of water and liquid antacid in a spray bottle.
Duct tape is sterile, and can be used to secure gauze. Tampons (yes, for menstruation) are very absorbent in case of external wounds. Lollipops and candy are useful if someone is hypoglycemic or anxious.
Sharpies are useful to write information such as phone numbers or information on someone who is unconscious (ex. Allergies or blood type) for medical personnel.
Liquid antacid (such as milk of magnesia, or magnesium hydroxide) and water in a half half mixture in a spray bottle will be useful if someone is tear gassed or pepper sprayed. MAKE SURE THE LIQUID ANTACID IS NOT FLAVORED, ex. Mint flavored as that can cause irritation. 
PRIMARY GOALS: PRESERVE LIFE, PREVENT FURTHER INJURY, PROMOTE RECOVERY.
CHECK THE SCENE FOR DANGER. Strategize how to best reach and help whoever is injured.
CHECK THE SCENE FOR DANGER. Strategize how to best reach and help whoever is injured.
INJURIES: the most common injuries people face are usually bruises and cuts. Bruises most of the time do not require much care; simply resting is sufficient for many, or even icing. If you are concerned do go to the hospital.
BLEEDING: apply firm direct pressure for 5-10 minutes if the bleeding is heavy to stop it. If the bleeding is heavy from an artery, apply a tourniquet for short-term management and seek help immediately. Minor cuts or scrapes will need to be disinfected with water and bandaged.
If someone has a lodged item in their body (glass, bullets, metal) DO NOT REMOVE IT. It can cause further blood loss or infection.
BROKEN BONES: Improvise a splint (stiff backing + bandage) before moving the person. Avoid moving the limb, and get to the hospital for an x-ray and proper care. Give ibuprofen and apply ice in a cloth or plastic bag.
NOSEBLEEDS: Lean forward and apply cloth to the nose. If the nosebleed is abnormal for the person or especially is due to an injury, seek help.
UNCONSCIOUS PEOPLE: Do not move them to avoid worsening existing injuries. Seek professional medical attention.
SYMPTOMS OF INTERNAL INJURIES TO THE KIDNEYS: nausea, vomiting, shock, abdominal care. Get professional help.
HOW TO APPLY A TOURNIQUET: Tourniquets are only used for limb injuries. You should call 911 or get to the hospital IMMEDIATLY. Read this article for information and instruction. Remember to time it, and do not remove it. Only medical personnel should. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-use-a-tourniquet-1298298
- HOW TO TREAT SHOCK: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-treat-for-shock-1298296
SPRAINS: Ease the swelling. Elevate the limb, apply ice (in a bag, not directly to the skin). Keep it compressed, but don’t cut off circulation. Ice and then compress in intervals.
HEAT EXHAUSTION SYMPTOMS: cool, most skin, heavy sweating, dizziness, weak pulse, muscle cramps, nausea, headaches.
TREATING HEAT EXHAUSTION: move into the shade or cover with materials that block sunlight. Drink water to keep hydrated. Apply cool cloth to forehead to lower temperature.
BURNS: if minor, run over with cool water, don’t break blisters, keep out of sunlight, ibuprofen for pain relief, and apply moisturizer like aloe vera.
BURNS: if major, seek help from professionals, don’t apply ointments, and cover the wound with loose materials to prevent infection from ex. dust.
CPR: You can take online courses to get a certificate to protect yourself from being sued. Performing CPR is a very useful skill to have. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/performing-cpr/cpr-steps
TEAR GAS: Tear gas isn’t actually a gas, but basically “burn-dust and propellant.” It is designed to stick to mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, throat) and to hurt. Reduce effects of the gas by covering your nose and mouth with a damp cloth. The tighter the weave the better.
Avoid oil-based make up, sunblock, lotion, etc. In the case you might get tear gassed or pepper sprayed, it will be more likely that it will stick to your face. Avoid contact lenses. They can trap pepper spray or tear gas in your eyes, which can cause blindness.
If you’ve been gassed, rinse affected areas with half half mixtures of liquid antacid and water in a spray bottle. DONT USE ACTUAL MILK, its not sterile. Just water or saline is much better than milk.
Flush your eyes by opening them and scooping handfuls of water. Wash entire face with non oil based gentle soap. Avoid salves and grease.
If you are asthmatic, GET OUT as it can be lethal and keep or retrieve inhalers for those at risk. Tear gas is disposed through launching canisters. Helmets, even bicycle ones, can save you from head injuries.
If you want to throw back the canister, do not grab it with your bare hands as it can be very hot. Use welders gloves or even oven mitts. Synthetic materials can melt.
If you have been gassed, don’t run. Move carefully. Look into wearing goggles and a gas mask or respirator to protect yourself. When showering, go for a cool shower. Hot showers can reactivate particles.
RUBBER BULLETS: Rubber bullets are designed to be aimed at the ground to disperse crowds. When shot at people, it can cause injuries like bone fractures in the ribs or skull, concussions, or permanent loss of vision.
Usually after being hit, people have heavy bruising.
Usually after being hit, people have heavy bruising.
MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE PERMANENTLY LOST VISION IN AN EYE or received serious facial injuries. Wear safety glasses! If you wear glasses, get a pair that you are able to wear over the glasses. Ballistic rated safety glasses or goggles are the best.
Resources (Links and sources used to create this thread)
http://blog.totallynotmalware.net/?p=299
http://blog.totallynotmalware.net/?p=160
http://www.urban75.org/mayday/safety.html
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/basic-first-aid#1
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/baltimore-protests-experts-caution-milk-antacid-wash-pepper/story?id=30653488
http://blog.totallynotmalware.net/?p=188
https://www.thecut.com/2020/05/what-does-a-rubber-bullet-feel-like.html
https://blog.safetyglassesusa.com/how-to-protect-your-eyes-from-rubber-bullets/ https://www.vox.com/2014/8/14/6002497/ferguson-missouri-rubber-bullets-unsafe
http://blog.totallynotmalware.net/?p=299
http://blog.totallynotmalware.net/?p=160
http://www.urban75.org/mayday/safety.html
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/basic-first-aid#1
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/baltimore-protests-experts-caution-milk-antacid-wash-pepper/story?id=30653488
http://blog.totallynotmalware.net/?p=188
https://www.thecut.com/2020/05/what-does-a-rubber-bullet-feel-like.html
https://blog.safetyglassesusa.com/how-to-protect-your-eyes-from-rubber-bullets/ https://www.vox.com/2014/8/14/6002497/ferguson-missouri-rubber-bullets-unsafe
“Resources for Activists”: http://blog.totallynotmalware.net/?cat=26
This has information of what to bring, tear gas, what to dress, etc.
“An Activist’s Guide to Basic First Aid”: https://www.sproutdistro.com/catalog/zines/direct-action/activists-guide-to-basic-first-aid/
STREET MEDIC GUIDE: https://www.paperrevolution.org/street-medic-guide/
This has information of what to bring, tear gas, what to dress, etc.
“An Activist’s Guide to Basic First Aid”: https://www.sproutdistro.com/catalog/zines/direct-action/activists-guide-to-basic-first-aid/
STREET MEDIC GUIDE: https://www.paperrevolution.org/street-medic-guide/
PLEASE remember that i am NOT A TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSION. This is simply recommended skills and knowledge for people, and is applicable both in ri0ts and daily life. stay safe. #BlackLivesMatter 
