Fire and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel have been called upon to respond to incidents related to protests and civil unrest occurring in locations across the United States. While the last several weeks have seen an increase in these types of events, civil unrest can occur during any period of heightened community tension or mass gatherings, from sporting events to political conventions.

These incidents present unique challenges and sometimes place first responders at higher than anticipated levels of risk. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) worked together to compile best practices to assist you as you respond to civil unrest incidents in your community.

You can view these best practices online or download them as a pdf document from the EMS.gov Preparedness page or download directly below.