What is the defense component, and is it safe?
Our “defend,” is a tactical grade pepper spray, it is non-flamable, contains ultra-violet dye to mark the attacker(s), and you simply pull the pin and press the trigger, the product shoots in a stream up to 30 feet.
It is considered a non-lethal option when a police officer “reasonably believes” that it is necessary to:
- Protect himself, or another from unlawful use of force (ex. assault).
- Effect an arrest, or establish physical control of a subject resisting arrest.
- Establish a physical control of a subject attempting to flee from arrest or custody.
- Establish a physical control of an emotionally disturbed person.
- Control a dangerous nail by deterring an attack, to prevent injury to persons or other animals present.
[examples from the NYPD’s Control Guide Procedure]
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What is pepper spray?
Pepper spray is a chemical substance derived from red-hot cayenne pepper. It dates back at least to the time of the Samurai (premodern Japan, warriors of the Edo Period,1603-1867). Pepper spray is also known as “OC,” for the chemical name oleoresin capsicum.
When OC is sprayed in an attacker’s face or dabbed in his or her eyes, it causes intense burning, inflammation, and temporary blindness. It incapacitates the subject through pain and by causing the eyes to shut. If inhaled, OC causes breathing problems because of respiratory tract swelling. If all goes well, and there are no complications, symptoms should fade after 45 minutes.
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Is it dangerous?
Clearly pepper spray causes great pain, but there is a debate about whether OC places people in imminent danger or results in lasting health issues. Pepper spray is known as a “nonlethal weapon,” a weapon that doesn’t kill. However, deaths have occurred following the use of pepper spray. In 2003, a Department of Justice report found that pepper spray directly contributed to the deaths of 2 people out of 63 cases, where suspects held in custody died after pepper spray was used in their arrest. In the two cases where the cause of death was directly attributed to pepper spray, the two people affected had asthma. The other causes of death were found to be drug use, disease, positional asphyxia, or a combination. However, the same report concluded that “Pepper spray inhalation alone does not pose a significant risk for respiratory compromise or asphyxiation, even when combined with positional restraint.”
It would clearly be preferable if there were no threats, and we didn’t have a need for police or our defense systems to use pepper spray, but there are doubtless times when its use is appropriate. -
After a pepper spray event:
Threat Extinguisher provides wipes for the purpose of treating the symptoms of pepper spray. If you have been sprayed or have got spray on you accidentally, then the following may help to alleviate the burning symptoms of pepper spray. Here are some additional tips:
–Since the spray is oil-based, people who have it on their skin are advised not to touch the affected area. Touching the solution can easily spread it to other areas of the body.
–If pepper spray enters the eyes, blinking rapidly may help to flush it out.
–Washing with a dish soap (like DAWN) can break up the oil. After that, the area should be rinsed with water. Baby shampoos can be useful for washing spray from the eye area.
Note: People who have been sprayed may instinctively want to douse themselves in water. This can provide some instant relief, but it will not last long. Oil does not mix with water on a molecular level, so – like grease on a dirty plate – washing with water alone will not remove the solution.
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