Protester health and safety

(Stay Healthy So You Can Stay in the Streets)
Some suggestions from the street medics on what you can do to stay healthy before, during and after the demonstrations against the FTAA.

As Soon As You Can:

 * See below for suggestions on what to bring and what to wear.
 * Make sure you have solid housing plans. Housing will be tight in Miami, so set it up as soon as possible. See http://www.StopFTAA.org for housing resources.
 * Set up your emotional support system now. If you can, have a few days free when you get back from the demos, since you might need time to process what you experienced, catch up on sleep, and just generally relax.
 * Set up legal support now. There will be legal support in Miami, but it helps to have folks you know who have the following information: who should be contacted if you are arrested, any medications, food or other needs you may have in jail; any responsibilities that need to be taken care of if you don't get home as planned (work, animals, etc) and whatever other info seems relevant.
 * Consider talking with someone about your hopes, fears and expectations. By talking through what could happen and how you might respond you can prepare yourself for any difficult situations that might come up.

Don't Forget the Basics:

 * Don't wear contact lenses since they can trap chemicals (tear gas, pepper spray) against your eyes, causing permanent damage.
 * Do your best to get enough sleep.
 * Eat healthy foods, and be sure that you eat enough. Try to avoid fatty or fried foods since they stress your liver (see chem weapons below.)
 * Drink enough water—at least 3 liters (0.8 gallons) a day. You can get dehydrated easily in the heat and humidity, especially if you are coming from a different climate. Start drinking extra water several days before the demos to build up the fluid in your body.
 * Minimize caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs. They stress your system and may make you more vulnerable.
 * Protect yourself from mosquitos. There are lots of them in Miami.
 * Learn more about how to protect yourself and others by attending a health and safety training before the demonstrations. Street medics will also be offering longer trainings to anyone interested. Info on trainings will be posted at the convergence center, or you come to the medic treatment space (commonly known as the "clinic").
 * Relax, focus, center. If you have something you use to relax yourself (music, meditation, whatever) consider doing this on the days leading up to and the days of the protests.

What to Wear:

 * Wear clothing that protects your skin from sun, chemical weapons and injury. Consider long sleeves, pants, and a *water-repellent outer layer. You can cinch clothing at wrists and ankles to keep chemicals out. Beware of overheating and getting dehydrated in all these clothes.
 * Some people believe that detergents trap chemicals in clothes, so consider washing your skin and clothes in castile soap before the demonstration.
 * Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes that are well broken in. An additional pair of socks will help prevent blisters. *Bring extra socks in case your feet get wet or dirty.
 * Protect your nose, mouth and lungs. Gas masks can be heavy, conspicuous and very hot, but they work well. You *can also use organic particle respirators at hardware stores. Or try a bandana soaked with apple cider vinegar and protect your skin from irritation with a mask underneath. Other vinegars, and even lemon juice and water, don't work as well but are better than nothing.
 * To protect your eyes use shatter-proof goggles, ski goggles or something else that forms a tight plastic seal (no foam, as this traps chemicals).
 * Wear sunscreen. if you need it. Oil-based sunscreens may trap chemicals on your skin, so try to use water-based sun screen.
 * Any product with oil in it (make up, moisturizer, etc.) may trap chemicals on your skin, so consider going with just water-based products.

What to Bring:

 * Water. Bring lots of water—at least 3 liters (0.8 gallons) a day—since many people will dehydrate quickly in the heat and humidity.
 * Food, especially high energy snacks
 * Any medications you take on a regular basis, in the original container along with a note from a doctor saying you must take this medication. Come to the medic treatment space if you need help getting a note.
 * Any assistance devices you need (cane, etc) especially if you would need these in the event of arrest.
 * A map.
 * Money, if you are concerned about getting arrested and might want to bail yourself out.
 * A camera, if you might want to document police actions or the demonstrations. Be aware that many protestors do not want their photos taken.
 * Extra water-based sunscreen, since you'll probably sweat off the first coat pretty quickly.
 * A buddy! If you can, run with another person so you can protect and help each other. Talk with your buddy about how you are feeling, what is likely cause you stress, what you do to calm yourself down and how your buddy can help with that, and what you want to do if things get messy. Even better, work within an affinity group so you have a larger posse that can support you.