What are the Psychological Effects of OC
•An inward focus on pain
•Anxiety
•Fear
•Panic
•Anger
•Sense of helplessness
•Thought process interruption
•Goal re-orientation
What are the Physiological Effects of OC spray?
- Respiratory System
- Positional Asphyxia
- Eyes
- Skin
- Ballistic Needling
What are the physiological effects regarding skin?
- Increased heat sensation
- Redness of contaminated area
- Increased pain and discomfort
- Swelling of contaminated area
- Swelling and tingling
What is the definition of Positional Asphyxia?
It occurs when the position of the body contributes to the restriction of adequate air exchange.
What is the definition of ballistic needling?
It occurs when the capsicum particles become embedded in the cornea or surrounding eye tissue, causing extreme irritation and burning.
What are the effects of OC on the respiratory system?
- Inflammation of mucous membranes
- Pronounced mucus secretion
- Coughing/wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Inability of deep lung breaths
What are the advantages of OC spray?
- You can engage the threat at a greater distance.
- The effects are temporary with little to no risk of permanent injury.
- Easy tool to use
- Can prevent a physical confrontation
- Prevent escalation of force
What are the disadvantages of OC spray?
- There is a potential for cross contamination
- Adversely affected by wind and rain
- Threat may avoid receiving a direct spray.
- Threat may have eye protection.
- Some subjects may respond adversely and become more aggressive.
When would you decontaminate your subject after spraying them?
As soon as tactically feasible to do so.
What are the OC tactics?
- Shielding
- Distance
- Movement
- Surprise
- Verbalization
What is “OC” spray?
Oleoresin Capsicum spray.
How many bursts can you get out of a can of OC spray?
Canister has 10 bursts of 1 second spray, or 1 continous 10 second burst.
What is the average shelf life for a canister of OC spray?
4 years.
OC spray maintence:
-Ensure you shake the canister once a month.
-Test with a 1/4 second burst down wind.
-Replace the canister after 4 years.
(Note - Replace canister when it is half full.
What are the effects of OC regarding eyes?
- Painful burning sensation of the eyes.
- Visual impairment.
- Involuntary eye closure
- Profound tearing
- Inflammation of eyelids
- Protracted redness
