Medical Information for Direct Actions

Also see the Black Cross Meidcal Collective at

Things you should know about chemical weapons:
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, permanent damage or even death if exposed.
• Vulnerable humans 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, 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.

After being exposed, do not bring contaminated clothing indoors unless it is wrapped in a plastic bag. As soon as you can, wash your hair and all contaminated clothing in a strong detergent. Remember, it is only temporary, and we are extremely strong.

General Concerns:
Contact lenses trap the irritating gases and chemical compounds underneath them and may increase the amount of damage and irritation. GET PRESCRIPTION GLASSES NOW & WARN OTHERS NOT TO WEAR CONTACT LENSES. Menstrual Periods/Pregnancy: A significant number of Seattle women gassed experienced immediate onset of menstruation outside their normal cycles. Some reported menstrual irregularities lasting for months. At least one spontaneous abortion - or miscarriage - has been reported. Reaction to chemical exposure will be greater with the presence of some skin conditions such as acne or severe eczema. Tear gas and pepper spray contain oily solvents that will rubber and plastic, so don't buy really expensive gear. This means that your slowly dissolve goggles will only provide temporary protection. Also remember that the straps of your gear will absorb the chemicals and eventually begin to irritate the skin beneath.

PEPPER SPRAY CONCERNS:

• Since pepper spray is often sprayed at a close distance, the police may try to:
  • Physically remove your goggles/ breathing protection.
  • Spray between your face and your goggles/mask (which if your hands are locked down, makes them a trap for the chemical).
• It can be hazardous. People have died from respiratory failure (no protesters that we are aware of).
• Asthmatics should bring their bronchodilators.

TEAR GAS & PEPPER SPRAY CONCERNS:

The propellants and/or active ingredients can cause cancer, are mutagenic and hence potentially teratogenic. One form of tear gas (CN) used during the WTO is 50% solvent - the solvent, methylene chloride, is a highly toxic chemical which can cause altered central nervous system function.

What can we do to protect ourselves from "non-lethal" projectiles?
Law enforcement agencies have fired a variety of non-lethal "projectiles," including rubber bullets (generally spherical, ranging from pea-sized to marble sized), wooden bullets (one inch dowels, about one and a half inches long) and beanbags (three inch by four inch nets bags filled with plastic shavings). The projectiles cause deep bruises and can break bones, but the most serious risk is to your eyes. For protection, bring the type of visor or shield used by carpenters (available at hardware stores). These visor are important to use over glasses or swim goggles, both of which can shatter.

Other First Aid:

Sprains:

• RICE: Rest (don't walk on sprained ankle, or use sprained wrist), Ice, Compression (ace-bandage), Elevation.
• Broken bones:
• Immobilize fractured limb (with other part of body, stick, etc.)
• Get person to medical facility
• Watch for signs of internal bleeding (swelling, bruising)

Burn:

• If chemical burn, flush off chemical with copious amounts of water.
• Cool water relieves
• Keep burn clean and sterile
• Do not break blisters. Do not wipe. Gently blot with clean cloth to remove moisture and grime.
• Bandage loosely to keep clean.
• May apply proper ointments to minor non-blister burn
• For extensive burns, seek medical help.

Penetrating injury:

• Do not remove impaled object - that might cause more injury or more bleeding.
• Immobilize the object with clean or sterile bandages
• Get the person to advanced medical care. May also need tetanus shot.

Extenal bleeding:

• Put pressure on the cut to help stop bleeding.
• Cover wound with clean or sterile bandages.

Shock:

Shock is loss of vital blood pressure. Signs are decreased consciousness, cool/clammy/pale skin, and/or rapid & weak pulse.

• Have the person lie on their back. Raise knees slightly (unless there are head injuries, leg fractures or breathing difficulty). This helps blood flow to brain.
• Make sure the person is breathing.
• Seek medical help - this could be an emergency.

Determine cause for shock:

• Dehydration - they should drink water if conscious enough, or IV solution infusion by trained medical person.
• Bleeding - stop bleeding via pressure. Person will need IV infusion & further intervention by trained medical person.
• Reaction to chemical: Make sure person is breathing. Be prepared to perform CPR. If symptoms do not improve rapidly, treat as a medical emergency. Decontaminate.

Head Injury:

• Victim may also have brain and spinal injury.
• Keep head-back elevated at least 30 degrees if lying down.
• Person may be irrational - control them to ensure safety.
• If bleeding, apply bandages lightly.
• Bring help to victim.
• Watch for decreasing level of consciousness, behavior changes, difficulty to arouse, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, head ache.
• Follow Up Care is ESSENTIAL because of possible later onset of problems.

Eye Glasses Lost, Broken, Blurry Near Vision:

• Pinhole in paper, held close to the eye will make it possible to read.
• Cheap non-Rx drug store glasses my be temporary substitute.

Information for those risking arrest with health conditions:

If you have any health condition that might pose serious health problems if your medication is interrupted (such as: retroviruses, psychiatric disorders, diabetes, hypertension), you should be aware that you may not have access to proper medication while you are in jail. A letter from a doctor may help. Three copies of the letter are needed, one for the legal team, one for the medical team (these will be kept completely confidential) and one for you.

It should include the following information: your name, diagnosis, that you must have access at all times to your medication, a list of all meds, that you must be allowed to keep meds on your person so that they can be properly administered, and that no substitutions are acceptable.

Since your name must be on the document, you may want to hide it on your body as a sort of insurance policy--perhaps you won't need it and then could eat it and utilize solidarity tactics. We believe that revealing your name and cooperating with the jailers to ensure your health is more beneficial to all than having to deal with a serious medical problem. Better to cite out than pass out.

Please make sure that your affinity group and the legal team is aware of your needs so they can help care and advocate for you.

Carrying essential medications in their original prescription bottles with your name and the drug, dosage, etc. may help you get access to them in jail.

Recommended Supplies for Protestors/Affinity Groups for Mass Actions:

The Essentials

• Chants and Attitudes! i.e. "Ain't no power like the power of the people - cause the power of the people don't stop!"
• Water: LOTS to drink and rinse off chemicals. Spray mister head or squirt head on bottle to help conserve water & minimize contamination.
• Rescue Remedy from Health Food store - 4 drops per quart of water.
• Bandannas soaked in vinegar- A gas mask semi-substitute. Keep them in a heavy duty ziplock bag.
• Energy Snacks - easy swallowing liquid, semi liquid to keep you going. Shatter resistant eye protectuin from plastic bullets. Prescription sports. Shooting glasses best.
• Sealed goggles like swimmers (available in prescription). Protection from tear gas & pepper spray.
• Fresh shirt Sealed in plastic bag, to replace a chemically contaminated shirt.
• CLOTH, 4x4 GAUZE, etc. to clean off chemicals.
• Prescription sunglasses with straps. DO NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES!!! Trapped chemicals may cause eye damage. DO NOT BRING/USE ON SKIN: Vaseline, detergent soap, skin moisturizers, make-up, because the chemicals bind with them - anything acidic will cause stronger reaction. Do not wear Vaseline, mineral oil for protection!!!

Optional Supplies / Clothing info:

• NO earrings, piercings, necklaces, ties, etc. that can be grabbed. (A Simpsons' show had the police use a giant magnet to capture protesters by their piercing)!
• Wear Expendable synthetics that wont absorb chemicals, washed w castille soap (i.e. Dr. Bronners). Clinch/seal at wrists, ankles & neck. Windbreaker, light rain gear, also for changing color if you need to disappear. Replacement pants/shirt sealed in bag. Non absorbent hair cover: plastic bags or shower caps. Helmet, cup, jock, sports bra. Comfortable running shoes. Heavy duty glove to handle hot tear gas canisters.
• Gloves disposable latex, vinyl, dishwashing. Extra bags.
• Mineral Oil & Rubbing Alcohol for pepper spray de-contamination. Dangerous if used incorrectly.
• Paper, pen, for notes, documentation, etc..
• Money for food, transportation & telephone

Recommended Extra JUMP KIT supplies for Affinity Groups:

• Castile soap -i.e. Dr. Bronners- wash with before demo, after chemical exposure
• 2x2 & 4x4 bandages, menstrual pads (as bandages), Band-aids, tampons (for nose bleeds), skin tape, ace bandages
• Eye irrigation
• CPR masks
• Instant ice
• Emergen-C or other electrolyte mix
• Arnica 30x, 6c is better (homeopathic remedy for shock & trauma)
• Causticum and Cantharis 30x (homeopathic remedies for burns)
• Wound & skin ointments.
• Ching Wan Hung burn/abrasion ointment available in Asian Communities
• Emergency phone numbers, contact information
• Jar: non-breakable w lid, date/time/place-label, to take air/tear gas sample
• Camera (expendable) 400 ASA film, duct tape, marker