if you have the drive and ability and funds, pursue basic emergency medical response training. not for the cert, by the way, but a reputable source for the skills and some verification you absorbed the knowledge. you don't need certification to be a street medic, but you do need to be honest about your skills.

note that the role of the street medic, like legal observers, is different at protests because you need to stay in a position where you are able to help and respond to medical emergencies. being a street medic means taking fewer risks for the safety of others.

always identify yourself. not only so that those in need can find you. if you did your due diligence to be identifiable they have a harder time justifying violence against you and interference (theoretically you are supposed to get some protection due to medical neutrality but cops be cops and this is not enshrined in law most places)

if you can get specific protest medical training in your area i highly suggest that on top of traditional emergency medicine training as the medical needs in a protest are different

exposure to chemical agents, injuries from dogs and horses, seizures, general trauma from “less-lethal” non-chemical “crowd control” tactics, exposure, dehydration, and general trauma tend to be the most common issues that need treating

street medic specific training is not always as immediately available in some areas, which is part of why some areas have a dearth of street medics. so please, get what training you can.

#USpol #WhatNow

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