OC Spray Flashcards
What are the range of OC aerosol units available to Victoria Police as of 2013?
- MK - 3 Stream by Sabre and Defense Technology
- MK - 3 Foam by Sabre and Defense Technology
- MK - 9 Foam by Defense Technology
What are the key features of the MK - 3 Streamer? (7)
- flip top actuator button
- stream dispersal
- water based propellant
- maximum effective range (3-4 metres)
- approx. 10 short bursts
- weighs between 69 and 73 grams
- non-flammable CED compliant
What are the key features of the MK - 3 Foam? (7)
- flip top actuator button
- foam dispersal
- water based propellant
- maximum effective range (3-4 metres)
- approx. 6-8 short bursts
- weighs between 87 and 90 grams
- non flammable CED compliant
What are the key features of the MK - 9 Foam? (7)
- pull ring actuator safety
- high volume foam dispersal
- water based propellant
- maximum effective range 4.5-6 metres
- approx. 7, 1 second bursts
- contains UV dye
- non-flammable CED compliant
What are the minimum distances for OC? (2)
- MK - 3 aerosols, 1 metre.
- MK - 9 aerosols, 1.8 metres.
Discharge could damage the eyes.
How must you check a can of OC upon issue? (4)
- tamper proof seal is intact (spray only)
- unit is not damaged
- contents are verified
- weight of canister is correct for aerosol unit
What are the desired effects of OC? (4)
- the effects of OC are both physical and psychological
- the eyes immediately shut due to an involuntary response known as blepharism
- breathing becomes temporarily difficult and there is inflammation and a burning sensation on any exposed skin
- consequently, there is a requirement for the subject to be constantly reassured in order to avoid panic
How can OC fail to function? (6)
- canister fails to function
- the subject is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- the subject has a positive and determined state of mind
- the subject closes the reactionary gap
- the subject protects the target area, preventing contact
- the member misses the subject
When should MOPF utilise OC? (3)
Where there are reasonable grounds to believe it may be reasonable, in situations:
- of violence or serious physical confrontation
- where violent or serious physical confrontation is imminent
- where a person is involved in violent or other physical conduct and likely to seriously injure themselves or result in suicide
When should MOPF not utilise OC? (2)
In situations when
- a person is passively resisting for example, simply hanging limp or refusing to comply with instructions only
- members may use OC aerosols to deter attacking animals
What happens on the initial action of OC? (6)
- provide reassurance
- advise subject not to rub their eyes
- place in an area where breezes (preferably COOL) can provide relief
- ask the following questions
(- do you wear contact lenses? (Under no circumstances will MOPF remove the lenses)
(- do you have asthma? (Is yes give them an option of using metered dose inhaler, if incapable or unable to identify, administer using spacer, deliver 4 puffs of salbutamol).
While waiting for ambulance salbutamol may be given every 5 minutes, or continuously if needed.
What are reporting protocols for OC? (2)
- where force is used by or against a member, a use of force form (form 237) must be completed
- force includes any situation where members use or threaten use of an OC aerosol
How long should aftercare be applied for for someone who has been sprayed?
45 minutes or until symptoms disappear (whichever is longer).
When should you arrange medical attention for a person who has been sprayed?
When they:
- complain of a medical condition or asks for medical attention
- appears to be suffering from a medical condition
What are signs of respiratory distress?
- rapid breathing (more than 20 beats/minute)
- audible wheezing or noisy breathing
- inability to talk in sentences
- blue discolouration of lips and tongue (cyanosis)
- rapid pulse rate (more than 100 beats/minute)
- deteriorating consciousness
- chest or neck pain
- profuse sweating
- shallow, restrained or difficulty breathing (lasting more than 2-3 minutes)
