LOCAL News :: Protest Activity

J16-18: Chicago Action Medical - BASIC STREET MEDIC TRAINING

Author

Chicago Action Medical

Date Created

05 Jul 2004

Date Edited

05 Jul 2004 10:51:00 PM

Rating

Current rating: 0

License

This work is in the public domain.

(Just in time for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions)

Chicago Action Medical - BASIC STREET MEDIC TRAINING

Come learn first aid skills for protests and direct action! Protect civil liberties by protecting the health and safety of demonstrators!

CAM and Doc Rosen of the Colorado Street Medics will give a 24-hour class (in two and a half days) that will fully prepare participants to be street medics at demonstrations.

The course will include assessment, operations, basic first aid techniques, introductory information on alternative/herbal medicine, and other skills.

Friday, July 16: 6 PM to 10 PM
Saturday, July 17: 9 AM to 7 PM
Sunday, July 18: 9 AM to 7 PM

LOCATION: 7528 North Oakley, Chicago, IL
(near the Western Ave. and Howard St., #49B Western bus, Howard Red Line)

Cost: $0-50 sliding scale. Please donate what you can.

Vegan/vegetarian food will be available.

Class limited to 25 participants! Register now to secure your space!

Email cam@rescueteam.com with questions or to register.

OTHER DETAILS: Please come dressed as you would dress at a protest.
(Check out the Heath and Safety at Militant Actions guidelines for more info.)

FAQ: What is Action Medical?

Action Medical is a generic term used for the service of providing (1) preventative health care/safety education, (2) emergency first aid and other medical treatment, and (3) aftercare, at demonstrations and direct actions for social change.

There are three basic roles which fall under the general term "action medic."

1. "Affinity group medic," or "medical monitor." This is someone who has accquired at least basic street first aid skills, frequently by attending a street medic course offered by a local Action Medical collective, and has the responsibility of providing for the health care needs of a specific group or autonomous collective of activists at a demonstration.

2. "Street Medic," whose role at activist events is to patrol the crowd, usually in teams of 2-6, explicitly identified as a medic, with responsibility for treating anyone in need of medical attention. The street medic is trained in street first aid, as well as tactical and operations procedures somewhat unique to the street medic team

3. "Street Clinician," who has been trained as street medic, but who typically has some other form of medical training and skills set ( (allopathic or naturopathic) to complement their street first aid skills. Street clinicians usually staff a rear clinic adjacent to the scene of an action, but in some cases are also mobile and operate as quasi-street medics, with more equipment and supplies on hand, and a more stable location.

Becoming a Street Medic

You can become a street medic by attending and completing a organized street medic training program and then by practicing your skills at progressive actions along with other street medics and clinicians. Chicago Action Medical periodically offers street medic training training sessions. We can also refer you to qualified trainers and street medic collectives in other states and regions.