#metatano

hi there! i’m alby, and i’m trained in standard first aid and cpr-c with aed. recently, i’ve seen lots of people talking about the actions of police at protests, specifically the fact that they are tear gassing/purposely injuring people, which is disheartening to hear, to say the very least.

before i get into what to do if you get tear gassed/injured, i would firstly like to say i am NOT a doctor/nurse and all i have is first aid training. i would just like to give a couple tips for those attending these protests!

(remember: always ask for consent, don’t do anything beyond your comfort/training level, call EMS if you believe there is something life threatening going on, and don’t purposely put yourself in danger- your safety comes first)

firstly, bring a mask for your mouth (don’t spread covid) and adequate eye protection, like safety goggles. if you’re in a pinch, swimming goggles work too. something is better than nothing.

do not wear makeup- this isn’t in line with my training, more so just the fact that certain chemicals can react with the tear gas, and you do not want to risk chemical burns from said reactions.

do hydrate! drink lots of water and eat well and healthily so you don’t end up getting heat exhaustion or heatstroke. 

make sure to write down emergency contacts and necessary medical information on your arms or somewhere easily accessible in case you fall unconscious. 

if you or someone around you is in shock, use the WARTS acronym.

Warmth (give them a blanket) ABCs (Check their Airway- anything in their throat? Breathing- note speed, shallowness, and Circulation- is their pulse weak/rapid?) Rest and Reassure (Are they in a comfortable position? Let them know everything will be OK) Treatment (Treat any other injuries) Semi-Prone/Semi-Sitting (ask them if they want to be in this position)

if you or someone around you has been tear gassed:

get out of the area IMMEDIATELY. your safety comes first (put on your own oxygen mask before helping anyone else analogy applies here)

rinse eyes out with cool water, for optimally fifteen minutes. go from the inside of the eyes (near the nose) to the outside. make sure the victim refrains from touching the eyes. rinse off your face.  wipe away any residue around the mouth (NOT with your bare hands. with a glove or cloth). if you can, remove contaminated clothing. if you experience any respiratory and/or other symptoms after being exposed to tear gas, contact your healthcare provider, poison control and/or EMS.