You should always attend a protest with 2 to 3 people you know and trust … stick with them all day.
Protesters have been using the Buddy System for decades now because:
- It’s safer (you’ve got each other back);
- You can share supplies;
- You can assess each other’s mental & emotional state if things go haywire;
- You can get a second opinion;
- (Street Medics) One person can interact with the casualty whilst the other interacts with the crowd;
- You know what medications your buddy is on & where they are stored
- You’ll be able to acknowledge your buddy’s warning signs, symptoms & triggers if things become stressful (useful in avoiding Critical Incident Stress developing into PTSD down the line.)
- You’ll know what to do if one of you gets arrested.
- You can debrief together afterwards.
Being a Buddy means you never leave your partner(s) field of vision but, if you do get split up during the action be certain to have a back-up plan or meeting place in mind so you can hook up again later.
Best practice is to work with an AFFINITY GROUP.