Our Team

The Critical Need for Standardized Street Medic Training

~ By Chris, Founder, "PA Street Medics"

For years, my profession has placed me in a unique position to provide safety and emergency medical education to individuals working with NGOs, journalists, university students, community organizations, and those working with children. Through my experiences, I have come to understand the crucial role that trained community-based emergency responders play in crises—both in disaster situations and in our communities.

I have conducted safety workshops worldwide, including in the Middle East, Beirut, Lebanon, where I led seven workshops last year. These programs specifically focused on training MENA journalists and NGO workers supporting freedom of expression, equipping them with essential skills to respond to medical emergencies in high-risk environments.

How we started.

Recently, I was approached about developing a street medic program, something I had previously discussed with organizers. My background includes over 30 years in emergency medicine and disaster response, and I have been present at key moments in recent history—Baltimore following Freddie Gray’s killing, Ferguson, and at the DNC and RNC conventions over the past decade. In these high-tension environments, I collaborated with street medics, supporting them while performing my professional duties.

Why?

Through this work, I identified a significant gap: there is no standardized curriculum for street medics. Much of what is passed down informally can be outdated, incorrect, or even potentially harmful. Without proper training, well-intentioned individuals may administer treatments that are ineffective or, worse, dangerous. Recognizing this need, a few local organizers reached out to me in January 2025, "PA Street Medics" was born.

While I have worked closely with direct action organizing groups in the past, PA Street Medics is not a direct action group. Our primary mission is to support community organizations by educating their members on emergency medical care and safety. From providing first aid at large gatherings and protests to assisting in disasters and offering medical support at community events, it has become increasingly clear that traditional emergency services are not always reliable or appropriate in these situations.

The role of street medics has never been more essential. In an era where civic engagement and large-scale demonstrations are common, ensuring that trained individuals are available to provide medical aid is a necessity.

 "PA Street Medics" aims to bridge this gap by offering a structured, evidence-based approach to street medic training, ensuring that those who step up to help do so with the right knowledge and skills.

Our curriculum integrates professionally recognized emergency medical care and first aid training programs, combining established methodologies with tailored instruction. Drawing from a diverse range of sources, we adapt our training to meet the specific needs of community organizations and direct action groups, ensuring practical, relevant, and effective education.

As this program grows, we hope to build a network of trained community Street Medics who can provide reliable, professional-grade medical assistance when it is needed most. The health and safety of our communities depend on it.