Crowd Control and Chemical Exposure: Safety Measures for First Responders During Protests

The Importance of First Responder Safety 

First responder safety is crucial because these individuals are often the first line of defense during emergencies and play an essential role in providing immediate assistance to those in need. Ensuring their safety not only protects their lives from severe injury but also maintains their ability to help others effectively, even in a medical emergency. When first responders are adequately protected and equipped, they can carry out their duties more efficiently, reducing the risk of injury or death and allowing them to focus on saving others without distraction or hesitation. 

Investing in comprehensive safety measures involves providing first responders with the latest equipment and extensive training to handle various situations safely. OSHA PPE Standards, effective communication tools, and regular drills can significantly enhance their preparedness for diverse emergencies. A focus on safety can also improve morale among responders, as they are more likely to feel valued and protected by their organizations, which can lead to better performance and a stronger commitment to the demanding nature of their work. 

Furthermore, promoting the safety of first responders is a responsibility that extends beyond the individual organizations to encompass communities and government agencies. By fostering strong partnerships with local communities and ensuring robust legislative support, first responders can operate in safer environments with readily available resources. 

How First Responders Can Stay Safe During Protests 

As policies spark demonstrations across the country, first responders are on the front lines—tasked with maintaining public safety while also protecting themselves from unpredictable threats. While most protests remain peaceful, volatile situations can arise quickly, exposing both officers and civilians to chemical agents like tear gas or pepper spray, and increasing the demand for crowd control safety tools. 

To ensure the safety of first responders during immigration protests, the IAFC provides vital best practices and resources for navigating the complexities of EMS and fire response amidst civil unrest. 

In these high-pressure environments, preparedness is essential—not only for operational effectiveness but also for the safety of personnel and the community. FAST-ACT is proud to serve as a trusted ally for law enforcement and HAZMAT teams nationwide, offering proven dry decontamination solutions for rapid deployment during civil unrest. 

The Hidden Risks First Responders Face at Social Justice Protests 

While much of the public sees only the surface of large-scale demonstrations, first responders know the risks go far deeper. Protests can bring together thousands of individuals in emotionally charged environments. For law enforcement, this introduces several layers of risk: 

• Chemical weapon exposure from riot control agents like CS gas or OC spray (pepper spray) 

• Cross-contamination from protestors who have been sprayed or affected 

• Operational strain from stretched manpower during prolonged responses 

• Health hazards from handling detainees or crowd members who may be contaminated 

These risks aren’t hypothetical—they’re real and recurring. That’s why departments across the U.S. are taking a proactive approach by incorporating reliable, fast-acting decontamination protocols into their field response plans. 

FAST-ACT: A Field-Tested Solution Trusted by Law Enforcement 

FAST-ACT provides the only dry decontamination technology that neutralizes the threat, trusted by elite teams such as the FBI, Capitol Police, Secret Service, and local HAZMAT units. Our system is designed for real-world protest scenarios where time, safety, and manpower are critical. 

FAST-ACT can be used on: 

• Skin 
• Gear
• Uniforms
• Vehicles
• Surfaces 

Common Use Cases During Protests: 

• Decontaminating officers exposed to tear gas or chemical irritants 
• Reducing cross-contamination when transporting detained individuals 
• Enhancing operational readiness by allowing for immediate redeployment 

Key FAST-ACT Tools for Protest Response: 

• Decontamination Mitts – CE-certified for skin and surface use, easy to deploy during active operations. 

• Decontamination Wipes – Ideal for quick use on personnel and equipment. 

• 400g Pressurized Cylinders – Independently tested and verified safe for direct spray on individuals, enabling fast, hands-free decontamination in the field. 

Why Dry Decontamination Matters for Crowd Control 

During chaotic or fast-moving protest situations, water-based decontamination is often impractical—or even unavailable. FAST-ACT’s dry decontamination approach requires no water, no mixing, and no special training. This gives first responders a tactical advantage when seconds matter and resources are stretched. 

Dry decontamination also minimizes slip hazards, reduces cleanup, and supports quicker transitions between operations. 

Keeping Protestors Safe, Too 

While protecting law enforcement is a top priority, FAST-ACT also helps departments care for those protesting. Our solutions can be safely applied to contaminated individuals—reducing their exposure and preventing the transfer of chemical agents in transport vehicles or holding facilities. 

This proactive care supports your department’s commitment to duty of care, professionalism, and community safety. 

FAST-ACT Training: Equip Your Team for Real-World Response 

To ensure your team is fully prepared to use FAST-ACT during high-pressure protest or crowd control scenarios, we offer free training sessions and live product demonstrations for departments across the country for effectiveness during protests. 

Led by George Sichler, a retired NYPD officer from Special Operations and active member of the Putnam County Technical Rescue Team, our training is designed with your operational needs in mind. George brings decades of firsthand field experience and understands what works—and what doesn’t—when seconds matter. 

Continuous Protest Training Highlights: 

• Live demonstration of FAST-ACT dry decontamination tools 
• Scenario-based guidance for protest response and riot control 
• Best practices for decontaminating gear, individuals, and detainees 
• Tips for reducing cross-contamination during arrest and transport 

No special equipment or prior experience is required—our goal is to help you integrate FAST-ACT seamlessly into your department’s existing protocols. 

“We want departments to feel confident that their teams are prepared, protected, and equipped with solutions that actually work in the field.” – George Sichler 

Conclusion 

In times of civil unrest, preparation is more than a precaution—it’s a responsibility. First responders must be equipped with the right tools to protect themselves, their teams, and the communities they serve. FAST-ACT® offers field-tested, rapidly deployable decontamination solutions designed to meet the demands of today’s evolving protest environments. 

Get in touch today to schedule a free training session or request product details. Together, we can strengthen your department’s readiness and response.