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Inside Occupy Wall Street's New 24-Hour Medical Center
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Nov 8, 2011
Modified Nov 8, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Nov 8, 2011
Modified Nov 8, 2011
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As protesters in Zuccotti Park begin to settle in and set up more permanent structures, one of the first to boast the amenities of a military-grade tent with wooden flooring is the medical tent. Though the sign over the tent reads "Basic First Aid," it's open 24 hours and staffed by a rotation of several dozen medical professionals, including ER physicians, general practitioners, and registered nurses. The facility seeks to provide free care for protesters suffering everything from cuts and colds to the mental health issues that come with sleep deprivation and life in a public park in Lower Manhattan.
Those who aren't trained medical professionals are considered "street medics," and may have some CPR or first aid training. "Everyone works to their own qualifications," 25-year-old street medic Miriam Rocek says. "I treated a broken leg last week by calling 911." One MD who lives in Manhattan, works at Woodhull Hospital and asked to have their name withheld said that the more serious injuries that have cropped up—an appendicitis, a hernia, a drug overdose—have been referred to hospitals.
Another man, who cut off a large portion of his thumb after being bumped while holding a saw, was also sent away in an ambulance. And while over-the-counter medication is available, the doctors say they aren't writing any prescriptions. But a man who received a cut while building a structure received stitches in the tent from one of the nurses. We're currently awaiting comment from the New York City Department of Health on the legality and safety of licensed medical professionals practicing in Zuccotti Park.
Pauly Kostora, a LPN from New Mexico who has been in Zuccotti Park since the second week, said that protesters will also have access to mental heath professionals and counselors. "The distress of sleeping on the street and experiencing sleep deprivation can lead to a whole series of medical issues."
As winter approaches, the medical team is focusing on recognizing the signs of hypothermia, and making sure emergency blankets and handwarmers are available, as well as ensuring that people aren't staying alone in their tents. During our visit, protesters also asked for "fire cider," a brew of cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic and apple cider vinegar that purports to give demonstrators a sense of warmth in their stomachs.
When asked why they had come to treat ill protesters, the MD said, "That day 700 protesters were arrested…I was there and I was spared. I was the 701st. So I felt I had to do something…I come down in my off-hours when I'm not on call."
So in addition to free room and board, free food, free literature, free entertainment, and free veterinary care, the Occupy Wall Street protesters have managed to create a system of free health care, all while raising more than $700K for their cause. What will they have in 2025?
Additional reporting by James Thilman
Tagged
free healthcare
hypothermia
medical center
medical tent
occupy wall street
Zuccotti Park
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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