Personal Protective Equipment for Journalists

When a journalist is protected, the story gets told. When the story gets told, the world pays attention. When the world pays attention, change becomes possible.

Journalists risk their lives to bring us the truth from war zones, protests, natural disasters, and crisis situations. They document injustice, hold power accountable, and give voice to those the world might otherwise ignore.

Too many reporters, particularly freelancers, local journalists, and those working for under-resourced outlets, enter these environments without the equipment that could save their lives.

A ballistic helmet. A protective vest. A trauma medical kit. These aren't luxuries. They're necessities.

Crisis Ready Media's Protect the Press Fund provides life-saving personal protective equipment to journalists who need it most. Every donation directly equips a reporter with the gear required to cover dangerous stories and come home safely.

The Need

• Freelance and local journalists often lack institutional support or equipment budgets.
• Body armor, helmets, and trauma kits can cost thousands of dollars — prohibitive for independent reporters.
• Journalists are increasingly targeted in conflict zones and during civil unrest, making PPE not just recommended, but essential.
• Under-resourced newsrooms cannot afford to outfit their staff, leaving reporters exposed.

PPE doesn't prevent all harm — but it dramatically increases survival odds when violence erupts.

What Your Donation Provides

$30 – Non Ballistic Helmet – for protection against rocks, bottles, and ballistic threats associated with less lethal weapons used during protests in the USA

$50 – Eye Protection (MIL-PRF-32432A) rated for ballistic threats associated with less lethal weapons used during protests in the USA

$150 – Complete Individual First Aid Kit (tourniquets, pressure bandages, hemostatic gauze, chest seals, chemical decon wipes)

$350 - Full Face Respirator/Pro Mask for respirator protection against chemical agents used during protests in the USA

$500 – Ballistic helmet rated for conflict zone protection

$900 –Body armor vest Level IIIA

$1600 – Full PPE package: helmet, vest, eye protection, and trauma kit for one journalist