pepper spraylere karsi

8/10/2019 Pepper Spraylere karsi

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[Back to the Trainer Resource Index Page]MEDICAL INFORMATION FROM PRAGUE 2000The Praha medic team consists of Czech and international activists who have

provided health care in the streets in many cities, including Seattle, WashingtonDC, London, Philadelphia, Windsor, Canada and Los Angeles. We believe thathealth care is political. That the act of arming oneself with information that willmake us stronger, more resilient, and sustainable is a revolutionary act.

To this end, we are offering trainings in basic First Aid that is specific to ourneeds as activists who participate in demonstrations and direct actions. We alsooffer a training about chemical weapons (tear gas and pepper spray only), andhow we can protect ourselves and minimize the physical effects of thesechemicals. Additionally, we are organizing medical care on the streets during the

action so we can care for our people and enable everyone to remain in thestreets for as long as they would like.

The information provided here is intended to help you prepare in advance forthe action and is not a substitute for the trainings, which are quite thorough. Westrongly advise that at least one person from each affinity group takes both thefirst aid training and the protection against chemical weapons training.

Here is a basic list of supplies to bring for your first aid kit, and to donate to themedical team.water (as much as you can carry. this is for you and your friends to drink, for

irrigating eyes and wounds, for cooling off. it's worth its weight--bring lots)

several pairs of vinyl gloves (protect against blood AND pepper spray, latexworks but is a common allergen)

change &/or card for telephone call

paper, pen, duct tape, marker

wound care supplies (Band-aids, steri-strips, 2x2 & 4x4 bandages, 1st aid tape,Bactroban or other antiseptic)

ace bandage

chemical weapons decontamination supplies (3 small bottles of canola oil,alcohol, and a solution of liquid antacid/water, 1:1 ratio--this in a spray bottle,lots of gauze sponges or clean rags, stored in several small plastic bags)

small tampons (good for nose bleeds)

tongue depressors (for splinting)

clean shirt in plastic bag (to change into if you get heavily gassed)


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water- or alcohol-based sunscreen

your inhaler, epipen, insulin or other medication if you require it

several days of your prescription medication and doctor's note in case of arrest

menstrual pads, if needed. Avoid using tampons--if you're arrested you may nothave a chance to change it (tampons left in more than six hours increase yourrisk of developing toxic shock syndrome)ACTION FASHION FAUX PASDon't put vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen or moisturizers on skin asthey can trap chemicals.

Don't wear contact lenses, which can trap irritating chemicals underneath.

Don't wear things which can easily be grabbed (i.e.: dangly earrings or otherjewelry, ties, loose hair)

Don't go to the demo alone if you can help it. It is best to go with an affinitygroup, or some friends who know you well.

Don't forget to sleep, eat, and drink lots of water. No matter how well rested andprepared we are and how tight our plan of action is with our affinity group, wecan never really predict what will happen in an action, how the police will(over)react to our demonstration, no matter how peaceful we may be.A little information can go a long way towards dispelling myths, fears and

misinformation, so we want to share as widely as possible what we have learnedabout tear gas and pepper spray:PROTECTION AGAINST TEAR GAS AND PEPPER SPRAY, 101 The first thing toremember about exposure to these chemical weapons is that it is not the worstthing that could happen to you. The hype and fear surrounding them isenormous, but in reality, if you are careful and smart, you should survive it withlittle problem. This information is the result of conversations with experts,pepper spray trials done by the Black Cross Health Collective in Portland,Oregon, and our combined experiences of treating lots of people in variousactions, including the WTO in Seattle, the IMF/WB in DC, and the actions againstthe electoral conventions in Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Unfortunately, we have no direct experience with these chemical weapons inEurope, so please be aware that this information is based on research fromaround the world, but experience only from the US.What They Are:Tear gas (also called CS, CN, or CX) and pepper spray (OC) are chemicalcompounds that are weapons designed to be used by the military and police todisperse crowds and subdue individuals. They are mucous membrane (the insideof your mouth and nose, among other places, are lined with mucous membranes)and skin irritants. They are mixed with solvents, and delivered through the use

of propellants. Some of these solvents are registered with the US EnvironmentalProtection Agency as causing cancer, birth defects and genetic mutations. In


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Seattle, one batch of tear gas contained methylene chloride, a highly toxic solventwhich can cause mental confusion, headache, tingling of the limbs, rapidheartbeat, visual and auditory hallucinations, menstruation cycle disruption,spontaneous abortion, and varying effects on lungs and the digestive system.How They Are Deployed:

Tear gas and pepper spray can be sprayed from small hand-held dispensers orlarge fire-extinguisher size tanks. Pepper spray also comes in plastic projectileswhich are fired at the chest to knock the wind out of a person, who then takes adeep breath, of pepper from the burst projectile. Tear gas is most commonlydeployed via canisters, which are fired into crowds, sometimes directly atpeople. It's important that you know not to pick up the canisters without glovesas they are extremely hot. Be aware that the time it takes you to throw it willallow you to be heavily exposed.How They Affect You:Both tear gas and pepper spray are skin irritants, causing burning pain andexcess drainage from eyes, nose, mouth and breathing passages. Pepper spray ismore popular with authorities as an agent of control because of its immediatepain-causing qualities. It is harder to remove from the skin and has the capacityto cause first degree burns.

If you are exposed to either, you may experience:stinging, burning in your eyes, nose, mouth and skin

excessive tearing, causing your vision to blur

runny nose

increased salivation

coughing and difficulty breathing

disorientation, confusion and sometimes panic

intense anger from pepper spray exposure is a common response; this can beuseful if you are prepared for it and are able to focus it towards recovery andreturning to the action.

The good news is that this is temporary.

Discomfort from tear gas usually disappears after 5-30 minutes, while the worstpepper spray discomfort may take 20 minutes to 2 hours to subside. The effectsof both diminish sooner with treatment. Because pepper spray penetrates to thenerve endings, its effects may last for hours after removal from the skin.

There are many myths about treatment and prevention. Much of thismisinformation is potentially dangerous. Some of it, if applied, could greatlyincrease or prolong a person's reaction to exposure, or at the very least provide a

false sense of security.Prevention:


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If you see it coming or get a warning, put on protective gear, if able, try to moveaway or get upwind.

Blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough and spit. Try not to swallow.

If you wear contacts, try to remove the lenses or get someone to remove them foryou, with CLEAN, uncontaminated fingers.

DO NOT RUB IT IN.RemediesWe have been doing trials with pepper spray to find good remedies and havefound some things will definitely help minimize the discomfort. None of theseare miracle cures; using these remedies will help people to feel better faster, butit will still take time.For the eyes and mouth:

We recommend a solution of half liquid antacid (like Maalox) and half water. Aspray bottle is ideal but a bottle that has a squirt cap works as well. Alwaysirrigate from the inside corner of the eye towards the outside, with head tiltedback and slightly towards the side being rinsed. It seems from our trials that itneeds to get into the eye to help. This means that if the sprayed person says it'sokay you should try to open their eye for them. They most likely won't beable/willing to open it themselves, and opening will cause a temporary increasein pain, but the solution does help. It works great as a mouth rinse too.

For the skin:

We recommend canola oil followed by alcohol. Carefully avoiding the eyes,vigorously wipe the skin that was exposed to the chemical with a rag or gauzesponge saturated with canola oil. Follow this immediately with a rubbing ofalcohol. Remember that alcohol in the eyes hurts A LOT. Anyone whose eyes youget alcohol in will not be your friend.Secondary treatments can include: spitting, blowing your nose, coughing upmucous (you don't want to swallow these chemicals!), walking around with yourarms outstretched, removing contaminated clothing, and taking a cool shower. Infact, it is essential to shower and wash your clothes (this time in real detergents--no eco-friendly stuff here) as soon as you are able. This shit is toxic, and willcontinually contaminate you and everyone around you until you get rid of it.Until then, try not to touch your eyes or your face, or other people, furniture,carpets etc. to avoid further contamination.

Remember, it is only temporary, and we are extremely strong.A FEW HOT TIPS ABOUT GAS MASKS, & OTHER GEARThe best protection against chemical weapons is a gas mask. The Israeli gasmask is the best deal (again, we're dealing with US information here, sorry...)ranging from $10-$20 from mail order or surplus stores. It accepts a singlestandard NATO size filter. They are quick to put on, have good visibility, and are

not too heavy. The East German, and some Russian masks are grey rubber andcover the whole head, including the ears. They don't fit over large hair, and are


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slower to put on They also limit hearing. However they are lighter weight andthe (standard NATO) filter is attached to your body via a hose. The AmericanM17 is a bit heavy, but has a straw for drinking while masked, and there are"chemical" hoods available to cover entire head. Prices range from $25-50. Thefilters are harder to acquire. Any kind of mask should be tried on and sized

before you're in the streets fumbling with unfamiliar straps.

When paired with goggles, respirators make an excellent alternative to gasmasks. It is necessary to do some homework beforehand and find goggles thatdon't fog up and that fit tightly on your face with the respirator. Respirators canbe purchased at safety supply or welding supply stores. Ask for filters forparticulates and organic chemicals and tell the clerk what you're filtering todouble check. Costs between $18-24.

THIS JUST IN: some specifications on British respirators, including manufacturer,reference number and cost....Sundstom TPE respirator --medium: 01689, large: 0168 -- 11.95 UK pounds

CEN P3 filter -- 01656 -- 4.21 UK pounds

CEN ABE1 filter -- 01671 -- 6.85 UK pounds

prefilters, pack of 50 -- 01658 -- 9.25 UK pounds

prefilters extend the life of your filters.

All prices in UK pounds -- plus (+VAT) value added tax

There are plenty of other brands from which to choose....

A bandanna soaked in water or vinegar and tied tightly around the nose andmouth is a last resort. It is far better than nothing, but remember that it is merelya barrier and not a filter and so won't do much for long-term protection. You cankeep it soaking in a plastic bag until ready to use. Bring several, as multiple useswill render a bandanna as gassy as the air around you.

For protecting your eyes, swim goggles work well as they have a tight seal.Shatter-resistance is another nice quality for goggles to have. Most goggles haveair holes to prevent fogging--fill these with epoxy.

Covering these holes with duct tape can work in a pinch against an initial attack,though not for long term protection. Try them on with your respirator orbandanna to ensure that they are compatible and that both will provide a tightseal.

You should be aware that whatever protection you choose will be visually quitepowerful. Gas masks work the best; they also look quite scary and intimidating

and can be alienating to others. They can also make us targets of police violence.


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Think carefully about your impact on others when you decide how to protectyourself.FINALLY:Take care of yourself. If you are grounded, well-rested, fed and watered, you willhave much more fun in the action. Dressing appropriately and preparing for the

weather is key. Think water, comfy shoes, rain gear/sun protection, more water.Think mobility and comfort. Think creative energy and sustainability. Rememberthat we do this work because it is important and fun, and that at least somedanger is essential to life.

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