How to Deal With Riot Control Agents

We live in a world that is not always just. It is also the right of everyone to demonstrate against these injustices (at least in some countries). Unfortunately, the powers that be will frequently use riot control agents to disperse or control these acts of civil disobedience. Fortunately, there are ways to effectively deal with these riot control agents to minimize exposure and harm.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Gas mask
• Protective clothing

1. Identify the riot control agent. The most common riot control agents are tear gas and pepper spray. Pepper spray is a chemical delivered in small dose canisters at close range by individual riot control officers. The most common delivery method for tear gas is canisters that shroud an area in a chemical mist.
2. Wear the proper clothing and if possible attain a chemical mask that can protect you from riot control agent dispersed at the demonstration. Understand that the possession of a chemical mask may make the officers nervous and result in your arrest. Swimmers goggles also work to protect the eyes from the agent and a cloth soaked with vinegar can substitute for a mask in a pinch.
3. Notice the actions of the riot control police. If the police start putting on chemical masks, this is a sign they are about to deliver a riot control agent. If you witness this, then cover your mouth and evacuate the area as quickly as possible.
4. Get out the area as soon as possible, wash your eyes and mouth out. These chemicals can result in serious injury and sometimes death if you do not vacate the area and cleanse your exposed areas as quickly as possible.
5. Move to the highest elevation possible that is above the chemical cloud. Sometimes it may not possible to escape the chemically clouded area, therefore get to an elevated area that is not saturated with the chemical gases.
6. Escape the chemical agent by moving to a closed off structure like a building or a car if possible. A building or car can offer protection against these riot control agents.
7. Wash and clean your body thoroughly after exposure to any riot control agents. Strip all your clothes off and wash them and your body completely to remove all chemical residues. Be sure to shower and not bathe to clean the body. Soap and water are sufficient cleaning tools for cleaning your body.
8. Visit a hospital if there are any physical symptoms following exposure to the riot control agents. If you are feeling any side effects from these agents, it can signal respiratory problems to come.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid any demonstration where there is the potential for riot control agent use if you have any previous respiratory problems or concerns.