Field Safety & Situational Awareness
Stay safe and effective in the field during high-risk scenarios.
Field Safety & Situational Awareness
Being in the field during ICE activity or state violence puts you at direct risk. This course trains you to assess threats, make safe decisions, and remain effective under pressure.
Warning
This training is mandatory before responding to any live dispatch. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of those around you.
Info
70% of field injuries happen due to poor situational awareness. This guide focuses on civilian safety—not military tactics.
Core Concepts
Situational Awareness
- Observe surroundings, entrances/exits, and behaviors.
- Orient to your role, location, and objective.
- Decide based on current safety and team signals.
- Act only when confident in the plan and coverage.
The OODA loop (Observe–Orient–Decide–Act) helps you avoid hesitation or panic under pressure.
Threat Recognition
Learn to spot:
- Aggressive or erratic police movement
- Vehicle kettling and flanking patterns
- Unmarked vans or plainclothes agents
- Undercover provocateurs mimicking protest gear
- Panic triggers or sudden crowd shifts
Warning
Undercover agents often wear masks or carry protest signs. Watch for isolated actors encouraging escalation.
What to Carry
| Gear | Why |
|---|---|
| ID & emergency info | In case of arrest or injury |
| Mask & goggles | Tear gas, facial recognition shielding |
| Gloves | Protection + hygiene |
| Basic medkit | Bleeds, burns, and eye flush |
| Burner phone | Prevent tracking |
| Hydration pack | Keeps hands free, prevents dehydration |
| Emergency cash | Transit escape or basic support ($20–50) |
| Water & snacks | Energy and care for others |
Avoid: tools, projectiles, flyers — anything that could be used as evidence of intent.
Crowd Dynamics
- Stay near edges if not embedded in the action.
- Watch crowd flow — surges = crush hazard.
- Move calmly and diagonally through crowds.
- Assist those who fall or freeze.
- If arms can’t be raised, exit immediately.
Info
Use agreed-on hand signals to guide others without shouting.
Field Hand Signals
- ✋ Palm out — Stop / hold position
- 🔁 Circle overhead — Regroup at fallback point
- 👉 Two taps on shoulder — Follow me
- ❤️ Hand over heart — I need medical help
Know Your Role
- Understand your task: medic, scout, observer, etc.
- Stay in your assigned zone
- Check in frequently
- Never go solo during high-risk ops
Radio & Signal Protocols
- Use encrypted or burner devices if possible
- Speak in short, clear phrases
- Never name individuals or locations over open channels
- Pre-agree on code words and fallback locations
When It Escalates
- Don’t panic. Breathe deeply.
- Use rehearsed movements.
- Exit the area unless your role requires staying.
- Notify your team and dispatcher with status.
Risk Zones to Avoid
| Zone | Why |
|---|---|
| Narrow alleys | Easy to trap or isolate people |
| Rooftops | Visibility, sniper risk |
| Unmarked parked vans | Risk of sting or detention |
| Residential areas | Collateral targeting, legal complexity |
Trust Your Body
Your body knows before your brain does.
If you feel tense, nauseous, frozen, or dizzy — take a breath and check your surroundings.
“Is it safe to stay?” If unsure, step back and reassess.
Team Protocols
- Check in/out with dispatcher
- Assign fallback locations
- Use green/yellow/red zone language
- Confirm roles before deployment
What to Do If...
Kettling Begins
- Police block exits or form containment lines
- Move diagonally to crowd edge
- Look for safe exits: alleys, unlocked doors, transit
- Use hand signals to coordinate exit
- Document officer lines if safe
Tear Gas Is Deployed
- Move crosswind, not against wind
- Cover mouth with cloth soaked in vinegar/lemon
- Flush eyes with water or saline (never milk or oils)
Arrests Are Happening
- Record only from a distance
- Note names, time, location
- Do not intervene—just document
Medical Emergency
- Signal medic if present
- Clear space
- Use basic aid (compress, elevate, flush) if trained
Rabbit Hole
🎒 Study Nonverbal Communication Tactics Hand signals, gaze cues, and positioning to reduce chaos under pressure. → Resource: The Art of Protest Safety Zine
Rabbit Hole
🧠 Understand Kettling and Police Tactics Explore real-world case studies of protest containment and evasion. → Read: “Crowd Control and the Right to Protest” reports (ACLU, HRW)
Summary
- Stay calm and observant
- Know your role and don’t improvise under stress
- Prioritize safety for yourself and others
- Situational awareness is your first and last line of defense
Success
Every safe return strengthens the movement. Bravery without discipline is a liability.
📘 Knowledge Check
What is the purpose of the OODA loop in field safety?
If your role hasn’t been assigned yet, it’s fine to improvise on the ground alone.
Which of the following are signs of escalating threats in the field?
What are two actions you should take if tear gas is deployed?
Where should you position yourself if you’re not embedded in the crowd?
Carrying flyers or tools could be used against you as “evidence of intent.”
What should every field team member do as part of basic safety protocol?
What are “green/yellow/red zones” used for during a dispatch?
If you feel tense or like something’s off during an operation, what’s the best response?
What is one thing you should never do if arrests are taking place, even if you are filming?
Sharing goggles between volunteers without sanitizing them poses a risk of infection.
What’s a sign that your stress levels are too high to make safe decisions?
During a kettling scenario, what is the most effective movement strategy?
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