PAVA

Question 1

What is PAVA? (Pelargonic Acid Vanillylamide)

Answer 1

• PAVA or Nonivamide has been used in foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals. Its biomedical effects are fully understood and safe to use.
• CapTor2 PAVA has been extesively tested and approved to use
• It complies with Home Office standars set by the Centre for applied Science and Technology (CAST)
• PAVA is FIREARM, under Section 5 (i)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968
• Unlike CS, PAVA can be used in conjunction with Taser

Question 2

PAVA Policy (IMPORTANT)

Answer 2

Aerosol Irritants may be used as a response option when an officer finds it necessary to……

  - Defend themselves or others
  - Effect an arrest
  - Prevent the commission of an offence

                        WHEN

Other levels of force have been ineffective
OR
the officer considers other levels of force would be ineffective or inappropriate in the circumstances

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO JUSTIFY ITS USE AS BEING REASONABLE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES

Question 3

PAVA Effects

Answer 3

Will mainly affect EYES, RESIPRAOTRY SYSTEM (if inhaled) and SKIN

• Eyes will shut as a reflex
• Cause extreme discomfort up to 30 mins
• Face and skin will feel hot and go red
• Uncontrollable coughing if inhaled

Question 4

DEPLOYMENT

Answer 4

• Spray two Short Bursts
• Directly into a face covering eyes, nose and mouth. MUST get into eyes for full effect!
• Ideal Reactionary gap (2 x arms length) 6 - 10ft
• Maximum effective range 8 - 14ft
• Should not be used at less than 3ft UNLESS LIFE IS AT RISK AND YOU CAN JUSTIFY
• After deployment, officer should immediately move to establish a good tactical position
• Allow 5 - 10 seconds for effects to kick in

Question 5

REACTIONS

Answer 5

• Hands will go to their face
• May feel weak in the legs
• Their upper body may bend forward
• Their upper body may bend forwards
• Their body may shake
• They may experience impaired hearing

Question 6

AFTERCARE

Answer 6

• Be aware they may still strike at you after deployment even though they cannot see
• Verbally reassure the subject
• Move the subject to face into cool moving air
• Irrate with water if possible (DO NOT USE ACID ATTACK KIT WATER IN THE CAR)
• Tell them not to rub their eyes (consider a rear cuffing technique)

Question 7

RECOVERY

Answer 7

• Signifcant effects should subside in 10 to 15 minutes
• If eyes still in dstress after 15 minutes - irrigate with copious amounts of water
• Use dry clean paper towels (once)
• Full reccovery within 30 to 45 mintues
• Remeber ‘Use of Force’ form