Protest First Aid

This won't be about trips, falls, scrapes, the usual. Most, if not everyone, at the protests know how to treat these. The primary thing I'll be talking is CS/CN/CX (tear gas) and OC (pepper spray) exposure. Bare in mind that the treatments I'll cover may work for both.


[Before you go]


Don't use oil-based anything. The oil will hold the chemicals on your skin longer. If you wear contacts, opt for glasses. Contacts can act like the oil, keeping the chemicals in your eyes. wear something that can cover your exposed skin. Even something as simple as cheap rain gear can offer you some protection.


[Forewarning]


If OC spray is to be deployed, often times you'll see them reach for their spray canisters or ready paintball guns (if they will use peperballs. Concentrated chemical in a plastic container.)


In the case of tear gas, you can see their preparations easier. They'll begin donning their gas masks. This will give you the chance to ready yourself by covering exposed skin or even putting on your own mask.


[After Deployment]
Don't Panic!Something people seem to forget it that the pain is temporary. When they are inflicted with pain, the get agitated. When you get agitated, your breathing increases, as it increases you suck in more of the irritant, then the cycle goes on. Stay as calm as possible. If your blinded by the chemical listen. The "medics" will be calling for those exposed. Follow their voice. If your are one of the ones prepared for the chemicals or it doesn't bother you as much, help out. Something as simple as kicking the canister away can help a lot. Escort those you can to help then go back for more.


[Treatment]


A simple "L.A.W." (liquid antacid and water) can do wonders. Take your favorite liquid antacid, like Maalox, and fill a spray bottle with a 50-50% mixture with water. For eyes, start from the mucus membrane, (near the nose) and work your way out. For the mouth, spray, swish, and spit the L.A.W. Repeat as necessary. I really can't find much at all for the nose.


For the skin, nothing can beat soap and water. Some use alcohol wipes to clean the skin. While this may be effective, if you choose to do it, be care to to get too close to the eyes. Prolonged skin exposure can lead to chemical burns. These burns can be treated simple with medicated gauze.


[Afterwards]


Wash your clothes and wash yourself. Wash your clothes that have been exposed once or twice by themselves before you even thing about washing them with anything else. "Fuzzy" synthetic cloth like Gore-tex, and most fleece, are as good as gone. Chances are they will retain the chemical after cleaning exposing you to it once more. Take a nice cool bath to wash your hair and body. Wash a few times to ensure that you are clean and that the chemical is fully cleaned off your body.


If you have anything else you would like me to add, let me know.




For Educational Purposes Only.