Reply #1: Medic Press Release [View All]

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November 21, 2003 (Miami). The street medic and clinician team providing medical support in conjunction with the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) protests
decried the violent police tactics employed Thursday, November 20, 2003.

Street medics covering protests on Biscayne Boulevard near Flagler and elsewhere downtown assisted numerous injured activists. Hundreds were decontaminated and treated for the effects of pepper spray or tear gas, either on the streets or at the Wellness Center. Many others were treated for injuries caused by police baton blows or fired projectiles, including rubber and plastic bullets and chemical-filled pellets.

�I have worked in the emergency room and seen some horrible injuries,� said Eowyn Rieke, MD, a street medic and family practitioner from Boston working in the Wellness Center yesterday. �These injuries were among the worst I�ve ever seen.�

Street medics often found it difficult to provide care on the spot due to aggressive police tactics. �Every time we tried to stop and treat someone, we were overrun by police,� said Rob, an EMT from New York City. �Basically, we were picking up the walking wounded and trying to get them to a safe space.� Several medics reported being shot at as they tried to assist injured activists.

(more at link)

http://ftaaimc.org/en/2003/11/1703.shtml

Among the other atrocities described in the linked article, is an account of riot police firing a tear gas canister through the door of the Wellness Center clinic.