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"

These guidelines have been adapted from a variety of sources available on the web, including the Black Cross Health Care Collective, Action Medical, various medical journals and also from personal experience. We believe that health care is a political issue, that we should all be responsible for looking after each other and that everyone should have access to the information to be able to do that.

Given that many of the resources available on the web are focussed on the American activist networks, we have tried to make the information available here more applicable to the United Kingdom. However, it should be remembered that the best form of cure is prevention and, despite the people have suffered some form of injury on demonstrations, injuries are generaslly sustained on unprotected areas of the body | more self-protection tips here >>>

Given that tear gas has also not been widely used in the UK, but that there are situations where it is essential to know about, we have devoted an entire section to combatting the use of tear gas on mass actions. Consequently, we have skimmed over the topic on the sections which follow below.

Use Your Head!

Different protests and different situations will require different tactics, equipment and knowledge. But whatever you are doing, it is essential to PLAN AHEAD: you need to know what to expect and what supplies you might need, as well as how to get assistance if you require it.

You should have a positive attitude and remember that YOU ARE POWERFUL: it is perfectly possible to withstand most of what the police throw at you, and you are fighting for justice. Pain is only temporary and as humans we are extremely strong. In a confrontational situation, the main weapon of the police is fear: control that and anything else, including tear gas and other police tactics, are easily manageable.

The most important quality is COMMON SENSE: keeping your wits about you, constantly being alert and assessing what is happening and what needs to be done. When things become really heated, stay calm and focused and remember the first rule of demonstrations: DON'T PANIC!

Preparation

What to wear:

Comfortable, protective shoes that you can run in.
Clothing covering all your skin - to protect from sun and tear gas exposure.
Weather-related gear (eg. rain gear or sun hat)
A cap or a hat to protect from the sun (and 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 if need be.
Energy snacks
A small medi-kit with bandages, plasters, tape etc.
Several pairs of vinyl gloves (protect against blood AND pepper spray; latex gloves also work but it is a common allergen)
Just enough money for pay-phone, food, transportation.
Watch, electrical tape, paper and pen - for accurate documentation of events, police brutality, injuries.
Water or alcohol based sunscreen.
Inhaler, epipen, insulin or other meds if applicable.
Diorralyte or Emergen-C (or other powdered electrolyte mix)
Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen (but ibuprofen should NOT be given to asthmatics)
Several days of prescription medication and doctor's note in case of arrest [nb. this has to have your name on it, which you might not want].
Menstrual pads, if needed. Avoid using tampons - 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)
More water. You may think we're crazy but it's worth it's weight in gold!

What not to do:

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 sleep, eat properly and drink lots of water. No matter how well rested and prepared you are and how tight the plan of action is with your affinity group, it is never really possible to predict what will happen in an action and how the police will (over)react to a demonstration, no matter how peaceful it is (see accounts of the WOMBLES trip to Fairford for an example).

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. We have also found arnica cream to be extremely effective in helping bruises (not with open wounds) heal - better than the tablets. This should be applied as soon after the injury as possible and reapplied frequently until the bruising has gone.

If bleeding is heavy, it can be stopped by firm direct pressure on the source for 5/10 minutes. Make sure you are away from the action if possible and can remain undisturbed by the cops. Get the injured person to a hospital as soon as you can.

If someone has glass, metal or anything else bigger than a splinter lodged in their body DO NOT ATTEMPT to remove it: this could cause further injury and increase the risk of infection. Again, they should be taken to a hospital as soon as possible.

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. Again, superficial bleeding can be stopped by applying direct pressure, but care should be taken to immobilise the neck if any force at all has been exerted (e.g. falling onto a concrete pavement) or if the cause is unknown: a broken neck can leave someone paraplegic for the rest of their life or may even kill them. If the person is unconscious, do not attempt to move them: this could exacerbate the injuries already sustained. Seek professional medical attention and make sure others follow your advice.

Internal injuries can occur from blows to the lower back (which is where the kidneys are situated) or even to the stomach. These are usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and persistent abdominal pain and the medical signs of shock (pallor, faintness or loss of conciousness and increased heartrate, amongst others). However, symptoms may not develop until some time after the event has occurred. Get prompt professional care.

And finally ...

Remember the best protection against injury is 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.

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