As we enter yet another decade of social injustice and mass political uprising, people should continue to expect a strong urge of resistance from civilians that have been neglected by their government for far too long. Most protests that take place in the 21st century have resulted in widespread media coverage, which ultimately makes it easier to showcase the human rights violations that take place in what are often intended to be peaceful manifestations. Live news coverage has caused more people to become aware that the real instigators often hide behind strong shields and heavy military equipment.
People that are exercising their freedom of expression by participating in protests should not have to worry about having water solutions that counteract the negative effects of tear gas in their backpacks, yet, here we are. One can never be "too safe" or "too overprepared" when participating in open resistance against any government. There are countless DIY protective remedies for tear gas exposure that are crucial to have before attending any demonstration.
Some weapons of mass control that are commonly used to disperse protestors and enforce an order by the government are the following: batons, tear gas, pepper spray, rifles that fire rubber or plastic bullets, and flashbang grenades. Understanding these weapons and the damage they inflict is extremely important to be able to properly respond to them.
Of course, your first instinct should always be to stay clear of sketchy crowds that seem like they might cause unnecessary conflict. However, if this isn't possible, remain vigilant of your surroundings and try to find a safe spot that will allow you to help other people if necessary.
The recent Chilean uprising resulted in several causalities due to the lack of medical resources (both in staff and equipment) that could have been easily prevented if there were appropriate measures put in place to respond to political conflicts, "The lack of basic medical treatment for the largely working-class victims of gunshot wounds was notable […] Patients at Posta Central were dying, workers said, due to the lack of basic supplies, including surgical gloves, syringes, and masks."
One of the most dangerously unpredictable repercussions of mass political resistance is the high-risk for injuries and, unfortunately, the lack of sufficient medical resources to respond to these injuries. The hospital staff in Chile, for example, was so underequipped that "physicians and nurses must decide whether to withhold supplies for patients near death in favor of those with a better chance of survival." The scarcity of medical resources could potentially be the determining factor if a person lives or dies; however, a medical professional should never have to find themselves in this predicament, to begin with.
Whether you are attending a large political protest or a local demonstration, always be prepared for the worst-case scenarios!
