Links
Information
Genoa
Activities
Contact Us
Preparing for Direct Action, and First Aid
A Note of Calm
This document makes detailed suggestions about how to dress and behave if
you're taking part in an action where people are confronting the police,
being tear gassed and so forth. This will relate mostly at Genoa to some
of the protests on Friday - for example, where some protesters may try to
push down the fence around the Red Zone.
Some people won't want to get into this kind of situation. The Genoa protests have been organised so that people can protest in various ways. You can choose what sort of protest to go to on Friday. You can also choose not to go to any protest on Friday, and just go to the march on Saturday.
The Essentials
CLOTHES
| NO earrings, piercings, necklaces, ties etc. | |
| Dress for the weather: The temperature can reach over 25�, sudden squally rain is possible. Best to cover as much skin as possible | |
| Expendable water repellent or synthetics the won't absorb chemicals ( unlike water absorbing cotton) washed with neutral soap | |
| Clinch/seal at wrists ankles and neck | |
| Windcheater, light rain gear (also good for changing colour if you need to disappear.) | |
| Non absorbent hair cover: plastic bag, swim or shower cap | |
| Helmet, cricket box, sports bra | |
| Comfortable trainerrs, boots. | |
| Replacement pants/shirt sealed in bag, to replace chemically contaminated clothing |
WATER
| LOTS to drink and rinse off chemicals. Spray mister head or squirt head on bottle to help conserve water & minimize contamination. |
ALSO
| RESCUE REMEDY from Health Food store - 4 drops per litre of water. | |
| BANDANNAS SOAKED IN VINEGAR * A gas mask semi-substitute. Keep them in a heavy duty ziplock bag | |
| ENERGY SNACKS in an easy swallowing liquid or semi-liquid form to keep you going. | |
| SEALED GOGGLES like swimmers (available in prescription).Protection from Capsicum spray. | |
| GLOVES disposable latex, vinyl, dishwashing. Extra bags. | |
| CLOTH, 4x4 GAUZE, etc. to clean off chemicals. | |
| Castor Oil, , Regular Dishwashing Detergent, Alcohol Swabs, Rubbing Alcohol (i.e. Isopropyl 70% Alcohol) for Capsicum spray decontamination. However, these are dangerous if used incorrectly. See "Prevention & First Aid for Protesters " (article available soon). | |
| DAY PACK/SATCHEL either that or you got some mighty big pockets | |
| CHANTS & ATTITUDE! |
DO NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES!!!
Trapped chemicals may cause eye damage.
DO NOT BRING/USE ON SKIN:
Vaseline, detergent soap, skin moisturizers, make up, sunblock, UV cream,
because the chemicals bind with them - anything acidic will cause stronger
reaction. Do not wear Vaseline, or castor oil for protection!!!
Optional Supplies/Clothing Info
| GAS MASK Preferably with shatter resistant lens & replaceable non-asbestos filters. M17A1 clones are good. Beware of police stealing them. | |
| CHEMICAL/GAS RESPIRATOR with filters for hazardous gases or paint stripper. Hardware or safety supply stores. They cover mouth and nose only. Use swim goggles as well. | |
| Disposable camera | |
| Paper, pens, for notes, documentation | |
| Money for food, transportation & telephone | |
| Emergancy Phone numbers: Legal Aid, friends and relatives | |
| Mobile phone | |
| Sleeping mat | |
| Sleeping bag | |
| Tarp, sheet of plastic, Igloo tent | |
| Bike, rollerblades, skate board | |
| Flexible knee pads for kneeling on pavement for protracted periods of time. |
General Advice
Use Your Head
| PLAN AHEAD: For essential needs, care and supplies. Know what to expect. Know how to get assistance. Plan for how to re-contact your buddies if separated. | |
| ATTITUDE: You are powerful. You can easily withstand most of what the police throw at you, and you are an activist for justice. Remember, pain is only temporary, and we are extremely strong. | |
| THE NUMBER 1 WEAPON OF THE POLICE IS FEAR. Once you control that, tear gas and other police tactics are easily manageable. | |
| COMMON SENSE: Keep your wits, assess what is going down and what needs to be done. | |
| BE CALM and FOCUSED when things get most intense. React to danger or warning signs sooner - not later. Watch for signs of physical and mental problems in yourself and others. Cool down others who exhibit panic behavior. | |
| BEWARE OF RUMOURS: They are usually false, and foster fear. Deal with the known truth. | |
| DOCUMENT police actions, brutality and injuries. |