It Could Happen Here A Medical Perspective On Protest Safety
Jun 23, 2025
Dr. Richard Ferro, a dedicated family practice physician and advocate for social justice, shares his insights on medical support at protests. He discusses the ethics of street medicine, emphasizing that police actions often cause injuries, not protesters. The conversation explores the dangers of tear gas and less-lethal munitions, debunking myths about their safety. Ferro highlights essential safety tips for protest-goers, underscoring the importance of mutual support and preparedness amidst chaos.
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Miriam’s Street Medic Experience
- Miriam has been a street medic for over a decade treating injuries mostly from police violence at protests.
- She rarely sees violence among protesters but often treats those harmed by right-wing hostile actors or environmental issues.
Injuries at Protests Explained
- Injuries at protests vary from dehydration and crowd-related accidents to chemical exposures and blunt trauma.
- Use of so-called "less lethal" weapons like tear gas and rubber bullets often leads to serious injury despite their name.
Tear Gas: A Weapon of Fear
- Tear gas causes fear because it is unfamiliar and unknown, escalating panic and disrupting protest groups.
- Police use it not only for crowd control but also because it scares people more effectively than physical force.
