PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Anti-War Convergence Trainings
by Rovin' Workman Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003 at 6:20 PM
Pittsburgh IMC

The Pittsburgh anti-war convergence, January 24th-26th, included legal and medical trainings to prepare attendees for the weekend of protests.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, around 30 people attended a legal workshop at the Community of Reconciliation, taught primarily by NLG attorney Mike Healey. Discussion ranged from charges one could face from striking a police officer to the merits of jail solidarity. Trends in judicial handling of political criminal cases were also discussed, and attendees were given a hand-out including guidelines for when a permit is required for lawful assembly, as well information on how one is processed through the legal system, and what charges might be encountered stemming from a large protest.

Subsequent to the legal training, about 25-30 people attended an excellent health and safety training by three street medics from as far away as Connecticut. One was a physician with protest experience starting in the Vietnam era, and another younger medic had attained valuable street experience dealing with chemical weapons in Quebec. Topics discussed included proper protest preparation, including attire and supplies (e.g., gas mask models, blankets, and water bottles for eye flushing), evaluation and treatment for chemical exposure and hypothermia, and also a discussion of how to deal with stress both during and after demonstrations that often turn violent.

Both the legal and medical trainers were able to stay until the end of Sunday's mobilization, and their presence was much appreciated.

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