Emergency First Aid for Protesters
Street-tested, protest-ready first aid tips to help you stay safe and care for others in emergencies.
Before we dive in: I’m not a doctor. This guide is based on widely accepted first aid practices and resources developed by street medics and human rights orgs — but nothing replaces real-world training. I highly encourage taking a basic first aid class (especially Stop the Bleed or a local street medic workshop) if you plan to attend demonstrations regularly.
This is the fourth post in the Protester’s Playbook, a series designed to help you show up powerfully, prepared, and safe while protesting:
👉 How to Dress for a Protest: Stay Safe, Stay Anonymous, Stay Comfortable
👉 Protest Safety Guide: How to Protect Yourself in the Streets
👉 How to Document a Protest Without Compromising Safety
✊ Support this work
If you find this guide helpful, please consider subscribing to support The Pathfinder Chronicles. Your support helps keep critical resources like this free for everyone — especially those on the frontlines of change.
✨ Paid subscribers not only fuel this work — they also get early access to tools, live sessions, and deep-dive posts on resilience, activism, and human potential.
To all of my paying subscribers: thank you. Your belief in this mission helps make it possible. I’m deeply grateful for you.
Treating Tear Gas, Pepper Spray & Dehydration
Tear gas and pepper spray can cause intense burning, coughing, and temporary blindness. Here's how to respond:
Do:
Leave the area ASAP. Get to fresh air.
Blink rapidly to flush out your eyes — don’t rub them.
Use a solution of half liquid antacid (like Maalox) and half water to rinse eyes (if available). Do not use milk.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with cool water and unscented soap.
Don’t:
Don’t touch your face or rub your eyes.
Don’t wear contacts — they'll trap chemicals in your eyes.
Dehydration is common at protests, especially in the heat or during long marches.
Watch for signs: dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine, fatigue.
Prevention:
Drink water before you feel thirsty.
Bring a water bottle with electrolytes or salt packets.
Avoid alcohol or caffeine before protesting.
Wound Care & Stopping Bleeding
If someone is bleeding heavily, your #1 goal is to stop the bleed.
Apply direct pressure:
Use a clean cloth, gauze, or even a shirt.
Press firmly for several minutes without checking.
Elevate the injured area if possible.
If blood soaks through, don’t remove the cloth — just add more layers and keep pressing.
For deeper injuries or if bleeding doesn’t stop:
Use a tourniquet only if trained and only when absolutely necessary.
Call for medical help immediately.
For minor wounds:
Clean with clean water or saline.
Cover with sterile gauze or a bandage.
Keep it clean and dry until you can seek professional care.
Heat Exhaustion, Rubber Bullet Injuries & Broken Bones
Heat Exhaustion
Common in summer protests or during long marches.
Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, muscle cramps, clammy skin.
What to do:
Move to a cooler area (shade, indoors).
Loosen clothing.
Apply cool, damp cloths to neck and underarms.
Sip water slowly — not ice-cold — ideally with electrolytes.
If someone becomes unresponsive or vomits — call 911. It may have progressed to heat stroke, which is life-threatening.
Rubber Bullet Injuries
These can cause serious trauma, even if they don’t break skin.
Treat as blunt force trauma:
Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
Watch for signs of internal bleeding: persistent pain, swelling, bruising, or disorientation.
If you suspect a head, chest, or abdominal injury, seek emergency care immediately.
Broken Bones & Sprains
Do not move a suspected broken limb unless absolutely necessary.
What to do:
Immobilize the area with a splint or sturdy object (stick, rolled newspaper, etc.).
Elevate if possible to reduce swelling.
Apply cold packs wrapped in cloth.
Avoid giving food or drink in case surgery is needed.
A Final Word
You don’t need to be a medic to save lives — just someone prepared to act.
Street medics save lives every protest. If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference and feel more empowered at actions, first aid is one of the most impactful ways to show up.
Get trained. Stay ready. Keep each other safe.