FIRST-AID

This is a very important role that should take priority at all rallies, protests and actions. Even small, sneaky actions need someone designated as the first-aid role so that any injuries or medical issues can be quickly addressed.

When organizing public rallies, demonstrations etc., you need to ensure that someone with up-to-date accreditation or certification takes the role of first-aid officer or organizers may be held legally responsible for any incidents that may occur resulting in injury or sickness.

It is up to affinity groups, campaigns etc. to decide whether or not you want to get public liability insurance.

First-aid officers need to have a first-aid kit and be prepared to deal with anything ranging from overheating to snake bites depending on temperatures and weather conditions, the location of protest/action and many other factors.

Are police using mace/pepper spray? Will you be outside or inside? What is the temperature expected to reach? Will there be protection from the sun and/or weather conditions? Does anyone in your group have allergies or medical/other conditions that should be discussed? What is the protest area like? Will there be a high risk of sprains or other similar injuries?

First-aid officers need to be prepared to handle a range of situations and injuries. Make sure first-aid officers are trained and knowledgeable. Ideally, nurses, first-aid officials and other medical professionals can assist with this role or with training others for this role.

 Pepper spray remedies (pulled from cross-referenced online sources) - Since pepper spray is oil based (derived from oleoresin capsicum) it simply won’t wash away with just water unless applied over an extended period of time (say 30 minutes or more). If you have been contaminated with pepper spray (especially in the face) DO NOT RUB the contaminated area because it will not remove or stop the side effects. Resist this urge as much as possible.

Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent. It is designed to inflame your capillaries and cause a horrific burning sensation. When you touch a contaminated area you aid the pepper spray in opening up the capillaries. Doing this may increase the burning sensation tenfold and make it spread.

Stopping the Burn -

There is no easy or pain free way to cure pepper spray contamination and people may react differently to pepper spray. The removing techniques that work for some may not work for others. The tips below may assist.

One recommendation for pepper spray removal is to start with applying whole milk to the affected area. You can apply it to the affected area via a spray bottle, splash it directly on your skin, saturate a clean towel and lay it over the affected area or submerse the affected area. The milk should help take the burn away. However, this will not remove the oils in the pepper spray. For getting the oils off it is recommended to use the below antidote.

Removing the Pepper Spray Oil from Your Skin

Use a solution of 25% dishwashing detergent and 75% water. Use cold water and make up at least a gallon because you are going to have to wash the affected area at least 7 to 8 times.

If your face is contaminated mix the detergent in a bowl that that is deep enough to immerse your face in for 10 or 15 seconds at a time. Let the detergent start to do its job of breaking down the oils. Do not use your hands or a cloth to wipe the solution away. Just let it sit. Once you have done this a few times you can start lightly using your hands (after they have been dipped in the solution) or use a solution-saturated towel to work the detergent into your skin. This is most likely going to activate your capillaries and the pepper spray. This is normal so try to remain calm and patient. Decontaminating yourself from pepper spray can take as little as 15 minutes to as long as 45 minutes before symptoms subside. Recovery depends greatly on your skin type.

Once you can touch your face without too much discomfort you can use a little more pressure to work the solution in. Once you are to this point rinse your face between the applications of the solution. You may even wish to make up a new smaller batch of solution that is clean and does not have any oil residue in it. Because your skin will absorb some of the oils you will not be able to completely wash it out. But by this time at least the effects will be tolerable.

If you get pepper spray in your eyes when wearing contacts, take them out as soon as you possibly can. Throw them away: getting the pepper spray off them will be practically impossible. Blinking helps wash the capsicum from the eyes, which isn't much comfort to someone who has to spend the next half hour waiting for the pain to diminish. You can also try flushing eyes with saline solution.