​Proactive Safety and Street Medicine: Protecting Each Other at Demonstrations

Solidarity isn't just about showing up making your voice heard, it is about protecting yourself and keeping those around you safe while maintaining the means to render aid when the need arises. With any public event, such as a protest, a medical event can happen and first responders may not be able to get there as quickly as the emergency calls for. Staying safe is about situational awareness but also being proactively prepared for the chance that things go sideways. 

We have watched as waves of high-energy social and economic demonstrations sweep across Europe, sometimes becoming chaotic and even violent. Obviously you and other should not be going out to protest with the express intent of causing unrest or riot, but things can change at a moment's notice. As those situations have evolved in size and intensity, the immediate challenges facing marchers cease to be political and shift to medical needs. Basic first aid preparedness can turn anxiety into vital community care. 

There are plenty that walk out into the street with a sign and a slogan, but effective protesting should start long before you walk out the door to an event. Having the right supplies on hand can transform your good intentions into capable, rapid care when every second counts for a fellow protester. 

Here are the must-have items for first aid during protest activities or civil unrest:

Bleeding Control Supplies

• Tourniquet (CAT or SOF-T): For life-threatening limb injuries.
• Pressure Bandage (Israeli bandage): Controls severe bleeding.
• Hemostatic Gauze (QuikClot, Celox): Helps stop bleeding quickly.
• Compressed Gauze & Medical Tape: For wound packing or wrapping.
• Chest Seals: Vital for treating gunshot or stab wounds to the chest that create a sucking chest wound. 

Eye & Airway Protection

• Saline Solution or Eye Wash: Flushes out tear gas or pepper spray.
• Tight-Seal Goggles: Offers better protection than sunglasses or regular glasses.
• N95 Mask or Respirator: Filters harmful irritants from tear gas and smoke.
• Gas Mask: Full face alternative for N95 or Respirator.
• CPR Face Shield or Pocket Mask: For a protective barrier when giving breaths to someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

Burn & Skin Care

• Burn Gel or Water-Jel: Treats chemical and thermal burns.
• Aloe Vera: Soothes mild burns or irritated skin.
• Antibiotic Ointment (Neosporin): Prevents infection in minor cuts or scrapes.

General First Aid Essentials

• Bandages/Band-Aids (Various Sizes): For minor injuries.
• Sterile Gauze Pads & Tape: For dressing wounds.
• Trauma Shears & Tweezers: For cutting clothing or removing debris.
• Alcohol Wipes or Antiseptic Spray: Cleans wounds on the go.
• Nitrile Gloves: Protects both you and the injured person from infection.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Instant Ice Packs: For impact injuries such as rubber bullets. 
• Sharpie Marker: For writing personal information or medical information on a person or tourniquet. 
• Naloxone/Narcan: For opioid-related overdoses, there are likely free options through local health departments.
• Triangle Bandage: Can be used for an arm sling or to secure other bandages. 

Bonus Emergency Supplies to Include

• Mylar Emergency Blanket: Prevents shock and helps with warmth.
• Water Bottle: Essential for hydration and cleaning wounds.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: For nighttime protesting, headlamps are a better option to keep hands open. Ones with red light options help keep you less visible to others while providing light to you. 
• Whistle or Personal Alarm: Attracts help or deters threats. 
• Power Bank: Keep your phone charged during long periods without power. 
• Multi-tool: There are tons of options for these but the link includes a Gerber brand that fits most needs. 
• Sunscreen: If you are going to be out in the sun all day, protect yourself. Actually go ahead and wear that daily. 

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to take a first aid course through the American Heart Association or the Red Cross, though a Stop the Bleed course is also highly recommended. I'll include a link for articles on major bleeding events and CPR that were originally posted on my Substack to reference but they cannot replace the hands-on training that accompany the classes. 

Keeping a sling bag or a fanny pack for essentials like tourniquets, sterile water, gauze, and a CPR barrier are a best practice while keeping the rest in a backpack or other larger bag. Avoiding bags with MOLLE straps or other external webbing is a good idea because they can be used as a handle if things go sideways. Smaller labeled organizational pouches inside the bag will make it easier to find and access in the event of an emergency.  

Exercising your Constitutional Rights and advocacy should never mean compromising your safety. With the tempo and intensity ever changing in the world, preparedness is your most essential tool. When we show up equipped to keep each other safe, we ensure that the movement stays strong, sustainable, and focused on making a lasting impact. Our solidarity should extend beyond signs, chants, and shared passion; it is the tangible acts of caring for each other in times of stress.