Occupy Melbourne Eviction Day 21/10/11: street medics in hi-vis vests.
Large crowds can be deadly. Pushing, shoving, pepper spray, police horses and other perceived threats can create a ripple effect through a crowd resulting in mass panic as the crowd surges forward. Crush injuries through trampling are common but the most deadly is suffocation, with more people dying standing up than from trampling.
Keep in mind these risks and be prepared.
Buy yourself as much personal space as you can by keeping your arms at your side, bending your elbows and pushing out. People suffocate if they can’t expand their lungs.
•Wear comfortable, closed toed shoes. Double tie your laces to prevent tripping.
•Avoid wearing dangly jewelry, scarves and neckties, as they may get tangled or pulled.
•Don’t go alone. Bring a buddy!
If things get risky:
•DON’T STAND STILL OR SIT DOWN! Keep moving in the direction of the crowd and slowly work your way diagonally across the crowd, toward the outside where the flow is weaker.
•Buy yourself as much personal space as you can by keeping your arms at your side, bending your elbows and pushing out.
•Don’t stop or stand near temporary structures, which could collapse under the weight of a crowd.
•If you drop something, don’t try to pick it up. Bending or getting your fingers stepped on or trapped will increase your risk of being pushed to the ground. Let it go and keep moving!
•If you fall or are pushed down, try to get back to your feet as quickly as possible. If someone is willing and able, extend an arm and ask for help getting back on your feet.
•If you can’t get up, keep moving! Crawl in the direction of the crowd until you can get back up.
•If you cannot get up at all, curl up in a ball to create an air pocket and cover your head. Keep your back facing up, protecting your head and face with your hands and arms.
•Crowds tend to surge or pulse. Wait until a lull in the pressure or flow to try to get back to your feet.