Sam Gehrke, WWeek
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6th, 2018
Contact: Rosehip Medic Collective
rosehipmedics@gmail.com
PORTLAND, OR: On August 4th, Rosehip Medic Collective and a network of allied street medics treated multiple injuries caused by police projectiles and chemical weapons during a three-way confrontation between police, anti-fascist counter-protestors, and Patriot Prayer—a far-right group that includes Proud Boys, known neo-Nazis, and KKK members. All injuries treated were sustained by anti-fascist demonstrators.
Medics observed unprovoked police attacks on anti-fascist protesters, treating several demonstrators (including one medic) with injuries to the upper body and head by low-flying projectile weapons and explosive canisters. At least 3 required more intensive care and were sent to area hospitals. One was an anti-fascist demonstrator struck in the head by a 2.5-inch wide police projectile which passed through his helmet causing a serious head injury that would have almost certainly been fatal without the helmet. Many more were treated for injuries from pepper spray, pepper balls, and physical violence at the hands of both police and Patriot Prayer or Proud Boy members.
Street medics have provided medical support to protesters and frontline communities since the Civil Rights movement and have responded to an increasing need since the 1990s. Rosehip Medic Collective has been active in the Portland area for over 10 years, and has trained hundreds of street medics in an intensive 20+ hour training specifically designed to teach people to care for people injured at protests. This training includes response to law enforcement tactics such as chemical weapons and projectiles, basic and lifesaving first aid, medical ethics, and a focus on consent-driven, patient-centered care adapted to the street environment. Many street medics maintain nursing, physician, EMT, WFR, and other medical certifications, in addition to the extensive training offered by Rosehip Medic Collective.
Rosehip Medic Collective usually does not respond to media requests, however given the serious injuries witnessed this weekend, at this time we can be contacted by email for further information, statements, or interview requests.