MEDICAL
INFORMATION FOR
PRAGUE 2000
The
Praha medic team consists of Czech and international activists who have
provided health care in the streets in many cities, including Seattle,
Washington DC, London, Philadelphia, Windsor, Canada and Los Angeles.
We believe that health care is political. That the act of arming oneself
with information that will make us stronger, more resilient, and sustainable
is a revolutionary act. To this end, we are offering trainings in basic
First Aid that is specific to our needs as activists who participate in
demonstrations and direct actions. We also offer a training about chemical
weapons (tear gas and pepper spray only), and how we can protect ourselves
and minimize the physical effects of these chemicals. Additionally, we
are organizing medical care on the streets during the action so we can
care for our people and enable everyone to remain in the streets for as
long as they would like.
The
information provided here is intended to help you prepare in advance for
the action and is not a substitute for the trainings, which are quite
thorough. We strongly advise that at least one person from each affinity
group takes both the first aid training and the protection against chemical
weapons training.
Here is a basic list of supplies to bring for your first aid kit, and
to donate to the medical team. (If you are interested in making a donation,
a more comprehensive list of our needs is available if you contact us
at prahahealth@yahoo.com)):
· water (as much as you can carry. this is for you and your friends
to drink, for irrigating eyes and wounds, for cooling off. it's worth
its weight--bring lots)
· several pairs of vinyl gloves (protect against blood AND pepper
spray, latex works but is a common allergen)
· change &/or card for telephone call
· paper, pen, duct tape, marker
· wound care supplies (Band-aids, steri-strips, 2x2 & 4x4
bandages, 1st aid tape, Bactroban or other antiseptic)
· ace bandage
· chemical weapons decontamination supplies (3 small bottles
of canola oil, alcohol, and a solution of liquid antacid/water, 1:1
ratio--this in a spray bottle, lots of gauze sponges or clean rags,
stored in several small plastic bags)
· small tampons (good for nose bleeds)
· tongue depressors (for splinting)
· clean shirt in plastic bag (to change into if you get heavily
gassed)
· sun screen or rain gear, weather depending
· Emergen-C (or other powdered electrolyte mix)
· Rescue Remedy (good for shock, trauma)
· snacks
· tube of cake icing (or hard candy--good for raising blood sugar)
· aspirin, ibuprofen
· inhaler, epinephrine, benadryl (for those qualified to use
them)
What
you bring and wear will largely determine how much fun you have in the
streets, and how long you'll be able to stay there. If you pack your bag
too heavy, that will also limit your mobility and increase your fatigue.
Think ahead, and please check out our little guide to ACTION FASHION:
WHAT
TO WEAR
· comfortable, protective shoes that you can run in
· clothing which covers most of your skin to protect from sun and
pepper spray exposure
· shatter-resistant eye protection ie: sunglasses, swim goggles,
or gas mask
· gas mask or goggles paired with a respirator or bandanna to protect
during chemical weapons deployment
· weather-related gear (i.e.: 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)
· a cap or hat to protect you from the sun and from chemical weapons
WHAT
TO BRING
· lots of water in plastic bottle with squirt or spray top, to
drink and to wash off your skin or eyes if needed
· energy snacks
· identification and/or emergency contact information.
· just enough money for pay-phone, food, transportation
· watch, paper, pen for accurate documentation of events, police
brutality, injuries
· water- or alcohol-based sunscreen
· your inhaler, epipen, insulin or other medication if you require
it
· several days of your prescription medication and doctor's note
in case of arrest (more information about this is available)
· menstrual pads, if needed. Avoid using tampons--if you're arrested
you may not have a chance to change it (tampons left in more than six
hours increase your risk of developing toxic shock syndrome)
ACTION
FASHION FAUX PAS
· Don't put vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen or moisturizers
on skin as they can trap chemicals
· Don't wear contact lenses, which can trap irritating chemicals
underneath.
· Don't wear things which can easily be grabbed (i.e.: dangly earrings
or other jewelry, 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 sleep, eat, and drink lots of water.
No matter how well rested and prepared we are and how tight our plan of
action is with our affinity group, we can never really predict what will
happen in an action, how the police will (over)react to our demonstration,
no matter how peaceful we may be. A little information can go a long way
towards dispelling myths, fears and misinformation, so we want to share
as widely as possible what we have learned about tear gas and pepper spray:
PROTECTION
AGAINST TEAR GAS AND PEPPER SPRAY, 101
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. This information
is the result of conversations with experts, pepper spray trials done
by the Black Cross Health Collective in Portland, Oregon, and our combined
experiences of treating lots of people in various actions, including the
WTO in Seattle, the IMF/WB in DC, and the actions against the electoral
conventions in Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, we have no direct experience with these chemical weapons
in Europe, so please be aware that this information is based on research
from around the world, but experience only from the US.
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 mucous membrane (the
inside of your mouth and nose, among other places, are lined with mucous
membranes) and skin irritants. They are mixed with solvents, and delivered
through the use of propellants. Some of these solvents are registered
with the US Environmental Protection Agency as causing cancer, birth defects
and genetic mutations. In Seattle, one batch of tear gas contained methylene
chloride, a highly toxic solvent which can cause mental confusion, headache,
tingling of the limbs, rapid heartbeat, visual and auditory hallucinations,
menstruation cycle disruption, spontaneous abortion, and varying effects
on lungs and the digestive system.
How They Are Deployed:
Tear gas and pepper spray can be sprayed from small hand-held dispensers
or large fire-extinguisher size tanks. Pepper spray also comes in plastic
projectiles which are fired at the chest to knock the wind out of a person,
who then takes a deep breath, of pepper from the burst projectile. Tear
gas is most commonly deployed via canisters, which are fired into crowds,
sometimes directly at people. It's important that you know not to 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
· intense anger from pepper spray exposure is a common response;
this can be useful if you are prepared for it and are able to focus
it towards recovery and returning to the action.
The
good news is that this is temporary. Discomfort from tear gas usually
disappears after 5-30 minutes, while the worst pepper spray discomfort
may take 20 minutes to 2 hours to subside. The effects of both diminish
sooner with treatment. Because pepper spray penetrates to the nerve endings,
its effects may last for hours after removal from the skin.
There are many myths about treatment and prevention. Much of this misinformation
is potentially dangerous. Some of it, if applied, could greatly increase
or prolong a person's reaction to exposure, or at the very least provide
a false sense of security.
Prevention:
For most healthy people, the effects of tear gas and pepper spray are
temporary. However, for some people the effects can be long-lasting and
life-threatening. People with the conditions listed below should be aware
of these risks and may want to try and avoid exposure. Please be aware
that in intense actions, police behavior can be unpredictable, and avoidance
is not always possible.
· Folks with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, emphysema,
etc. risk exacerbation, or permanent damage if exposed.
· Vulnerable people such as infants, the elderly, and the immune
compromised, risk intensified and possibly life-threatening responses.
· Anyone with chronic health conditions or those on medications
that weaken the immune system, (ie: chemotherapy, Lupus, HIV, radiation,
or long-term corticosteroids such as prednisone) risk exacerbation of
illness, intensified response and possible delayed recovery.
· Women who are or could be pregnant, or who are trying to get
pregnant, may be at risk of spontaneous abortion, or increased risk
of birth defects.
· Nursing mothers risk passing toxins on to their infant.
· Folks with skin conditions (ie: severe acne, psoriasis, or
eczema) and eye conditions (ie: conjunctivitis or uveitis) risk an intensified
response.
· People wearing contact lenses may experience increased eye
irritation and damage due to chemicals being trapped under the lenses.
Protection:
· Avoid use of oils, lotions and detergents because they can
trap the chemicals and thereby prolong exposure. Wash your clothes,
your hair and your skin beforehand in a detergent-free soap (such as
Dr.Bronner's or most eco-friendly products).
· We recommend using a water or alcohol-based sunscreen (rather
than oil-based). If your choice is between oil-based or nothing, we
advocate using the sunscreen. Getting pepper sprayed on top of a sunburn
is not fun.
· We also recommend minimizing skin exposure by covering up as
much as possible. This can also protect you from the sun, as can a big
hat.
· Gas masks provide the best facial protection, if properly fitted
and sealed. Alternatively, goggles (with shatter-proof lenses), respirators,
even a wet bandana over the nose and mouth will help.
How
to deal:
· 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,
if able, try to move away or get upwind.
· Blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough and spit. Try not to
swallow.
· If you wear contacts, try to remove the lenses or get someone
to remove them for you, with CLEAN, uncontaminated fingers.
· DO NOT RUB IT IN.
Remedies
We have been doing trials with pepper spray to find good remedies and
have found some things will definitely help minimize the discomfort. None
of these are miracle cures; using these remedies will help people to feel
better faster, but it will still take time.
For the eyes and mouth:
We recommend a solution of half liquid antacid (like Maalox) and half
water. A spray bottle is ideal but a bottle that has a squirt cap works
as well. Always irrigate from the inside corner of the eye towards the
outside, with head tilted back and slightly towards the side being rinsed.
It seems from our trials that it needs to get into the eye to help. This
means that if the sprayed person says it's okay you should try to open
their eye for them. They most likely won't be able/willing to open it
themselves, and opening will cause a temporary increase in pain, but the
solution does help. It works great as a mouth rinse too.
For the skin:
We recommend canola oil followed by alcohol. Carefully avoiding the eyes,
vigorously wipe the skin that was exposed to the chemical with a rag or
gauze sponge saturated with canola oil. Follow this immediately with a
rubbing of alcohol. Remember that alcohol in the eyes hurts A LOT. Anyone
whose eyes you get alcohol in will not be your friend.
Secondary treatments can include: spitting, blowing your nose, coughing
up mucous (you don't want to swallow these chemicals!), walking around
with your arms outstretched, removing contaminated clothing, and taking
a cool shower. In fact, it is essential to shower and wash your clothes
(this time in real detergents--no eco-friendly stuff here) as soon as
you are able. This shit is toxic, and will continually contaminate you
and everyone around you until you get rid of it. Until then, try not to
touch your eyes or your face, or other people, furniture, carpets etc.
to avoid further contamination.
Remember, it is only temporary, and we are extremely strong.
A
FEW HOT TIPS ABOUT GAS MASKS, & OTHER GEAR
The best protection against chemical weapons is a gas mask. The Israeli
gas mask is the best deal (again, we're dealing with US information here,
sorry...) ranging from $10-$20 from mail order or surplus stores. It accepts
a single standard NATO size filter. They are quick to put on, have good
visibility, and are not too heavy. The East German, and some Russian masks
are grey rubber and cover the whole head, including the ears. They don't
fit over large hair, and are slower to put on They also limit hearing.
However they are lighter weight and the (standard NATO) filter is attached
to your body via a hose. The American M17 is a bit heavy, but has a straw
for drinking while masked, and there are "chemical" hoods available
to cover entire head. Prices range from $25-50. The filters are harder
to acquire. Any kind of mask should be tried on and sized before you're
in the streets fumbling with unfamiliar straps.
When paired with goggles, respirators make an excellent alternative to
gas masks. It is necessary to do some homework beforehand and find goggles
that don't fog up and that fit tightly on your face with the respirator.
Respirators can be purchased at safety supply or welding supply stores.
Ask for filters for particulates and organic chemicals and tell the clerk
what you're filtering to double check. Costs between $18-24.
THIS
JUST IN:
some specifications on British respirators, including manufacturer, reference
number and cost....
· Sundstom TPE respirator medium: 01689, large: 01688 £11.95
· CEN P3 filter 01656 £4.21
· CEN ABE1 filter 01671 £6.85
· prefilters, pack of 50 01658 £9.25
· prefilters extend the life of your filters. (+VAT)
there are plenty of other brands from which to choose....
A bandanna soaked in water or vinegar and tied tightly around the nose
and mouth is a last resort. It is far better than nothing, but remember
that it is merely a barrier and not a filter and so won't do much for
long-term protection. You can keep it soaking in a plastic bag until ready
to use. Bring several, as multiple uses will render a bandanna as gassy
as the air around you.
For protecting your eyes, swim goggles work well as they have a tight
seal. Shatter-resistance is another nice quality for goggles to have.
Most goggles have air holes to prevent fogging--fill these with epoxy.
Covering these holes with duct tape can work in a pinch against an initial
attack, though not for long term protection. Try them on with your respirator
or bandanna to ensure that they are compatible and that both will provide
a tight seal.
You should be aware that whatever protection you choose will be visually
quite powerful. Gas masks work the best; they also look quite scary and
intimidating and can be alienating to others. They can also make us targets
of police violence. Think carefully about your impact on others when you
decide how to protect yourself.
FINALLY:
Take care of yourself. If you are grounded, well-rested, fed and watered,
you will have much more fun in the action. Dressing appropriately and
preparing for the weather is key. Think water, comfy shoes, rain gear/sun
protection, more water. Think mobility and comfort. Think creative energy
and sustainability. Remember that we do this work because it is important
and fun, and that at least some danger is essential to life.
shortly
available at: http://www.sheffieldmayday.ukf.net
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