Since every living person in the world knows about the protests against police brutality I don't think I need to go into any great detail about it. The point is here is not debate over that. What I'm curious about is the implications of providing medical care at a rally of march NOT associated with any institution or employer?
I am a licensed RN, I work at a local hospital. I went down to the first unorganized protest with some basic first aid supplies because I wanted to help if able. I was then put in contact with a small volunteer medic group here. My city had a large rally over the weekend(2,000+ people) and I joined this volunteer group to assist. So basically, it was me(9 year RN), 3 former EMT's, 2-3 people with CPR/first aid(not in the medical field), and 1-2 with no medical training or experience staffing a 2,000+ person event. Because protests are considered "unsafe"(even this one that was permitted) local emergency services/ambulances will not staff or have anyone on site. In fact, the two blocks surrounding the permitted protest site were barricaded off with cement barricades. I had to carry a young girl who fainted from heat exhaustion two blocks just to get her to where EMS said they could meet us.
Anyways, I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation? I have a decent amount of in-hospital experience(2 year med/surg, 5 year ICU, 2 year hem/onc), but I've never worked outside of a hospital. My concerns are more on the legal standpoint, and ya know, not losing my job. There is always the risk of being arrested at any protest, and I don't know what effect that would have with my employer. It's a lot to unpack but any advice or personal experience in the area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
