Defending Against Fire During Protests: A CCW Holder’s Guide to Survival, Safety, and Situational Medical Response
In today’s world of increasingly volatile protests and civil unrest, CCW holders must consider more than just threats from firearms and physical assault. Arson, incendiaries, and chaos-induced injuries are genuine concerns, especially when escape routes become compromised or overwhelmed. For those legally carrying a concealed weapon, understanding how to defend against fire-related threats, and how to respond medically to burn injuries is essential.
This article offers guidance on preparation, protection, extinguishment, emergency burn care, and tactical escape considerations for civil unrest.
1. Clothing and Gear: Dress for Fire Resistance and Rapid Movement
Standard everyday clothing may offer little to no protection against open flame or flash burns. CCW holders should consider the following clothing and gear tips when anticipating possible exposure to fire:
Avoid synthetics like nylon and polyester: These can melt into the skin and worsen burns. Instead, opt for natural fibers like cotton or wool, which char instead of melting.
Consider flame-resistant clothing: Fire-resistant (FR) treated garments—such as Nomex, Kevlar blends, or FR-rated hoodies—are common in industrial workwear and increasingly available to civilians.
Closed-toe footwear: Protects against broken glass, embers, and heated pavement. Leather boots offer superior protection over mesh or athletic shoes.
Minimal exposed skin: Long-sleeves, gloves, and even lightweight neck coverings reduce injury in the event of flash fire or incendiary exposure.
Gas Masks: In environments where tear gas, smoke grenades, or improvised incendiaries are deployed, a quality gas mask can be the difference between escape and incapacitation. Civilians attending high-risk protests or operating in civil unrest zones should consider carrying a full-face gas mask with P100 or combination CBRN-rated filters, which protect against both particulate smoke and chemical irritants, such as CS (tear gas) and OC (pepper spray). These masks create a seal around the face, preventing respiratory distress and vision loss, both of which are common with tear gas exposure. Avoid surplus or novelty masks, as many lack adequate filtration or proper fitment. If a full gas mask is not an option, swim goggles and a wet cloth over the mouth and nose can offer temporary protection. Proper training and familiarity with donning and doffing procedures is vital, because in a true emergency, seconds count. Avon Protection is a leader in this area followed by Mira Safety.
2. Extinguishment Techniques: Small Tools That Save Lives
A CCW holder may be the first person able to intervene when fire is used as a weapon. Quick action is critical:
Carry a compact fire extinguisher: Small ABC-rated extinguishers (recommended currently check out the line at Komodo Fire Systems) can suppress small fires or disrupt an ignition attempt. Keep one in your vehicle and consider belt-mounted options.
Stop, drop, and roll: If a person catches fire, this classic technique remains effective. Smother flames with a heavy coat, blanket, or shirt—ideally cotton or wool.
Remove smoldering clothing: If it is safe to do so and does not stick to the wound, remove burnt material to prevent further heat damage.
3. Tactical Use of Smoke and Distraction Devices for Escape
When surrounded or cornered by an aggressive crowd, escape—not engagement—is your primary survival tactic. While use of force should always comply with state law and moral responsibility, deploying non-lethal tools to aid your withdrawal can be both legal and lifesaving.
Civilian-legal smoke grenades: Devices like IWA International devices are available in many states and emit thick, non-toxic smoke for 30–90 seconds. Use these to:
* Conceal your movement while escaping through a side street or alley.
* Obscure your vehicle while making a safe egress.
* Provide temporary confusion to break line of sight from aggressors.
Distraction devices: Flashbang simulators and loud noise devices (where legal) can startle attackers or disperse a forming crowd long enough for you to escape. Ensure you fully understand your local laws regarding possession and deployment. Check out IWA International’s website for how to purchase.
Situational Awareness: These tools are only effective if deployed early and with a clear escape plan. Always identify secondary exits and avoid areas with limited mobility or dead ends.
Remember: these tools are not for offense. They are defensive aids meant to help you disengage and protect life.
4. Field Burn Care: Initial Treatment Until EMS Arrives
Immediate burn care can reduce mortality and long-term complications. Here’s what to do:
A. Stop the burning process
Remove the victim from the heat source.
Cool the area with cool (not cold) water or saline for 10–15 minutes. This limits depth of the burn. It will hurt no matter what. Stop the continued burning process. After that you are increasing chance of death by causing hypothermia as the skin is the body’s thermoregulation barrier.
Never use ice, butter, or oil.
B. Cover the burn
Use clean, dry dressings or burn-specific dressings. Burn creams and wet dressings not required.
Avoid breaking blisters.
Prevent hypothermia, especially with large burns, by covering unburned areas and keeping the victim warm.
C. Pain management and hydration
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if the victim is alert and can swallow.
Encourage oral hydration if there are no airway burns or vomiting.
If you would like to see more on the care of burn victims, go to Deployed Medicine. You will need to register.
5. Burn Triage: Determining Severity in the Field
Understanding burn triage is crucial when multiple people are injured and help may be delayed:
First-Degree. Red, painful, no blisters (e.g., sunburn). Cool and cover. Monitor for infection.
Second-Degree. Blisters, intense pain, moist and red. Cover with sterile dressings. Seek care.
Third-Degree. Dry, leathery, white/brown/black, may be painless. Cover, monitor for shock. Immediate evacuation
Critical Burns. >10% of body (adults), face/hands/genitalia, electrical or inhalation. Treat as a medical emergency. Prioritize for EMS; first to leave for definitive care. Signs of airway burns (soot in nostrils, singed facial hair, hoarseness, difficulty breathing) require immediate evacuation, as swelling can block the airway rapidly.
Final Thoughts: More Than Marksmanship
CCW holders are not just defenders, they’re often the first responders in chaos. While carrying a firearm means being ready to protect life from lethal threats, survival in today’s dynamic environments also demands knowledge of trauma care, fire safety, evasive tactics, and escape planning. Understand, and teach your family on situational awareness through a practical application of the Color Codes of Mental Awareness.
Train regularly. Equip wisely. Think beyond the gun.
Be vigilant. Be prepared. And always be more than a marksman, be a protector
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