Protesting can come with varying risks, depending on the situation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to stay as safe as possible.
Go with a buddy.
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Check in regularly with your group to confirm no one gets lost.
This is a great way to participate without being physically at the protest.
Wear the right clothes and bring the right gear.
Look to the organizers for specific instructions.
The risk level isnt going to be the same at every one.
Know that police violence is a possibility.
Wearing airtight eye protection like goggles will help protect your eyes.
It mechanically pushes the tear gas residue or pepper spray out of the eyes.
Even if they just cause skin injuries, these can be painful too.
The symptoms should gradually go away.
If you have a loss of feeling in your hands, you should seek medical care immediately.
If youre injured or theres an emergency, dont hesitate to flag down a street medic.
[Were] providing care as much as [were] providing support.
Reduce exposure to and transmission of the coronavirus.
Definitelywear a maskcovering your mouth and nose during the protest.
Also bring hand sanitizer with you if you’ve got the option to.
After the protest,wash your handswith soap and water.
Be on the lookout for dehydration and heat exhaustion.
These symptoms may start with thirst, lightheadedness, and fatigue, street medic groupChicago Action Medical explains.
From there you might also experience cramps, dizziness, vision changes, and fever.
This is where things start to get worrying.
Rest in the shade, rehydrate, and use cooling ice packs.
Take care of your mental health.
The health effects of attending a protest where you may be injured dont end when you leave.
For many, there will undoubtedly be lingering mental health effects related to witnessing police violence and injuries.
How that actually looks in practice may be different for different people.
It might mean speaking honestly and openly withthe caring, active listeners in your friend group.
