Because I mostly work in India, and in India any moment on the ground could potentially turn into a crisis situation, here are some key lessons and resolutions before my next reporting venture:

(i) Carrying a simply doctor’s mask is basic protection against teargas firing

(ii) I will take my brother’s unused bike helmet and put a cute cap over it, to wear it during field reporting

(iii) Carrying along a torniquet at best, or a scarf at the least, to prevent catastrophic bleeding

(iv) Carrying a fake wallet and a real wallet with only minimal cash and just one credit/debit card

(v) Carrying duct tape, because it is so magical in its multiple uses.

–Priyanka