V.09 by Erik Houdini

Part I: Preparing for Peaceful Protests

1. Research: Acquaint yourself thoroughly with the cause and logistics of the protest. Know the location, time, and expected crowd size. Research possible risks and have contingency plans in place. Do the police kill often? What are the chances of things escalating? What is the main goal of this protest?
2. Plan Your Day: Understand the route of the march and familiarize yourself with the area. Have back-up routes planned in case the original path is blocked or becomes dangerous. If possible, scout the area in the days leading up to the protest.
3. Dress Appropriately: Dress for practicality and safety. Comfortable, close-toed shoes are crucial for long hours of standing and walking. Wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible to protect from sunburn or potential riot control measures. Avoid wearing anything that can easily be grabbed. Disguise any distinguishing features, like tattoos, to maintain anonymity.
4. Pack Essentials: Pack more water than you think you'll need, high-energy snacks, and any required personal medication. It's also a good idea to bring cash and an ID. Depending on your location it may be best to forgo any identification, as ID is not legally required in all places.
5. Safety Gear: Depending on the nature of the protest, you might need more specific safety gear. This could include goggles for tear gas, gloves for climbing or moving objects, and a bandana or gas mask. Consider bringing a small backpack with additional equipment, water bottles and other gear. Make shift bulletproof vests can be made with large textbooks. Umbrellas can be effective at deflecting tear gas canisters.
   Armor:
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAOBhZ3PEhw
   Tear Gas Deflection:
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSjhAdI-bSU
   
6. Signs and Symbols: Wear a rainbow or red bandana to signal that you're an ally, but remember to protect your identity. If you are associated with a group, do not have evidence of that on your person. Remember, OPSEC is oh so important.
7. Communications: If you bring a phone, ensure it's a burner with a removable battery to avoid tracking and protect your personal information. Note down important numbers on a physical piece of paper in case your phone dies or gets lost. Nothing should link you back to any organization or group. If you are caught with your phone, that phone becomes evidence, remember that. Additionally governments use devices called Stingrays to track everything without a warrant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzSgLpNrr2E

Part II: If Things Escalate

1. Stay Calm and Alert: If tensions rise, it's crucial to stay calm and keep an eye on your surroundings. Panic can lead to accidents or poor decision-making. Continuously observe the behavior of law enforcement and the crowd. Keep track of safe exits, and always be prepared to adapt to changing situations.
2. Handling Tear Gas: Tear gas is a common riot control measure. If it's deployed, try to move upwind and to higher ground, as tear gas is heavier than air and will sink. If you have to move through a tear gas cloud, breathe through a cloth, keep your eyes closed, and rinse them as soon as you're clear with a saline solution or clean water. Do not touch the canisters without protective gloves - they are extremely hot and can cause severe burns.
3. Dealing with Pepper Spray: Milk, particularly when cold, can help neutralize the effects of pepper spray. Pack a small supply if possible. Do not rub the affected area as it may spread the irritant. Wash with soap and cold water when possible to remove the oil-based spray. Do not touch any private parts.
4. First Aid and Medic Assistance: Bring a first aid kit equipped with bandages, antiseptic wipes, saline solution, a tourniquet, and any other necessities. If you or someone else is hit by a rubber bullet or another projectile, seek medical help immediately. While waiting, apply pressure to any bleeding wounds and try to stay calm. Identify volunteer medics in the crowd who can provide help if needed.
5. Handling Rubber Bullets and Other Projectiles: Rubber bullets can cause serious injury, including deep bruising, broken bones, eye injuries and even death. If they're being used, try to take cover behind solid objects. If possible, use objects like umbrellas or shields to deflect these projectiles. If they are being used, consider your life in imminent danger, will you fight or will you flight?
6. Prepare for Physical Impact: Be prepared for the possibility of falling or being pushed. Know how to fall to minimize injury: try to keep your body relaxed, protect your head with your arms, and attempt to roll rather than absorb all the impact on one point of your body.
7. Group Safety: Try to stay with your group or link up with others. There's safety in numbers, and a crowd can also provide some protection against projectiles. However, remember to maintain personal space to avoid stampedes or accidental injuries.
8. Exit Strategy: Always have an exit strategy. Know the fastest way to leave the area if you need to, and don't let yourself get boxed in. This may require constant awareness of your surroundings and having multiple exit paths in mind. Be ready to leave quickly if the situation becomes too dangerous.

This guide serves as a resource to equip protesters with the knowledge they need to stay safe. It is not a comprehensive guide to all the potential dangers one might face at a protest, but it should serve as a starting point. Always remember the reason for your presence at a protest: to voice your opinion and stand in solidarity with the revolutionary cause.