BEHIND THE SKIRMISH LINE follows medics from the Falck Alameda County tactical emergency medical services (TEMS) team on the night of the major George Floyd protest in downtown
Oakland, CA on May 29, 2020.
Written and photographed by Derek O. Hanley,
this visceral photo essay takes you behind police lines
to witness the fallout when protests turn violent
and when demonstrations turn to looting.
The TEMS team prepares their protective gear and medical equipment.
Photo by Derek O. Hanley
Taking readers into areas restricted to the public, BEHIND THE SKIRMISH LINE starts your journey in the law enforcement staging zone where the brave team of medics and doctors are readying their supplies and protective equipment.
See the moments of concern, boredom, and levity which turned out to be the calm before the storm.
Oakland PD declared the demonstration unlawful and released tear gas on the crowd.
Photo by Derek O. Hanley
The TEMS medics attend to an unconscious looter,
assisted by OPD and OFD.
Photo by Derek O. Hanley
Protest raw footage.
Filmed by Derek O. Hanley
There ended up being more than 7500 people who showed up to the demonstration. After the sun went down, things became increasingly violent, necessitating the TEMS medics to intervene to help the wounded, which included police, demonstrators, and even those who were looting. This was the night where two federal security officers were shot during the protest, pushing the TEMS team to their limits
to try to save their lives;
takes you there with them.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
★★★★★
"Phenomenal photography capturing a challenging time in our history and demonstrating the bravery and service of the emergency medical services personnel. Derek Hanley did an outstanding job bringing us to the front lines!"
NICK GLOMB, MD / PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN & ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, UCSF
★★★★★
"Fascinating behind the scenes look at brave front line workers, that we so easily take for granted and whom know little about. Thank you, Derek Hanley, for a beautifully photographed and written, eye-opening book."
TOM CHUN, MD / PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN & PROFESSOR, BROWN UNIVERSITY
★★★★★
“Essential, insider's view of the historic protests of summer 2020. The immersiveness that comes from the photographer being an active part of the events depicted and not just an observer cannot be overstated. Highly recommend!”
ISAAC BAUMAN / DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★★
"Beautifully photographed and composed. This photo essay takes the viewer on a visual journey that is honest and gritty. Truly captures the spirit and tension of that night."
SUN LIN, MD / EMERGENCY MEDICINE & TACTICAL PHYSICIAN
★★★★★
"This is a sobering, unfiltered, and gritty look at the events of the civil unrest in Oakland. This book shows the volume and magnitude of the events the TEMS team face and their steadfast resolve. Fantastic book that I highly recommend."
DOMINIC CURCURUTO / ALAMEDA COUNTY PARAMEDIC & TACTICAL MEDIC
★★★★★
"Graphic, insightful & non-political yet captivating. He was able to capture the stress in the individuals eyes despite their occasional smile and laugh. The pictures brought me to the known, yet forgotten, risk First Responders encounter and are willing to engage in. They exemplify the true meaning of "No one gets left behind."
NORMA VANTINE / LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OAKLAND
★★★★★
"Extremely eye opening book that makes one feel as if they are behind the scenes right there alongside the TEMS team. The moments of chaos and raw emotions of the crew during this historical event are well captured on every page. It is easy to get lost in the book, and I appreciate it can be read in one sitting to fully absorb everything from beginning to end.
Highly recommend!"
MARY HAKE / CREDENTIALLED TEACHER
★★★★★
"Amazing photos! What a crazy night."
ERIC HALLSTEN / EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN