DT_OCSpray_Storyboard.docx

Module Title: Defensive Tactics: Oleoresin Capsicum Spray Training Day #:   Session #:   _______________________________________________________________    [Screen #1]    Oleoresin Capsicum Spray Training Introduction  Welcome to your introduction on OC spray.  This is your only module for Defensive...

Module Title: Defensive Tactics: Oleoresin Capsicum Spray Training Day #:   Session #:   _______________________________________________________________    [Screen #1]    Oleoresin Capsicum Spray Training Introduction  Welcome to your introduction on OC spray.  This is your only module for Defensive Tactics that has an online component.  You will have more instruction in class regarding its practical application.    OC spray is considered an intermediate weapon which is carried by all police officers in the province of Ontario. In this lesson you will learn what OC is, how its used, and what types of effects it has on subject behaviour. Please remember to complete the online OC exam.  There is an OC study guide also available to you on OPCVA. Module Learning Outcomes  By the end of this module, learners will be able to:   identify the active ingredient in OC examine the physiological and psychological effects of OC identify proper application and decontamination procedures identify OC as a force option and understand its limitations identify proper storage and maintenance discuss live contamination drills Key Terms  Oleoresin Capsicum Deployment of OC Spray Physical Effects Psychological Effects Subject Responses to OC Spray Acute Hyperventilation Syndrome Anaphylactic Shock Decontamination Storage and maintenance   _______________________________________________________________  [Screen #2]  What is Oleoresin Capsicum? Oleoresin capsicum is a naturally occurring substances derived from the cayenne pepper plant. Oleoresin - Latin for oily resin Capsicum - found in food products such as Tabasco sauce and salsa derived from the capsaicin plant family (i.e. cayenne peppers) 100 % organically based and biodegradable What are it’s uses? developed in 1930 as a weapon not used because lacked delivery system first used by police in 1973 causes no permanent injury to subject requires little by way of decontamination procedures and clean up safe and effective force option In 1992, the Solicitor General approved the use of OC for uniform officers in Ontario. OPC has had 40,000 + exposures with NO permanent injuries. OC Definition organically based, less lethal aerosol weapon, temporarily impair a person’s ability to harm others/themselves no lasting effects. Canisters Click on each part of the OC spray canister to reveal the name of each part. The red canister that you see in this image is live OC, and this will be issued at your service when you return home from your OPC training. The MK3 Inert spray (in the green canister) will be issued to you at OPC when you arrive. It only contains water. _____________________________________________________________________________________ [Screen #3] Application Procedure When deploying OC spray, follow these procedures for safe deployment: Ideal range is 4 - 8 feet 1-2 second bursts Reacquire target if you miss Use support hand and thumb to activate During and after application, move laterally to be responsive to potential attacks - “Spray and get off the tracks!” Punch arm straight out to acquire target quicker (rather than swinging your arm up) Target both eyes of the subject or just above their eyebrow area Communicate what you want the subject to do, ie. “get down, down, down!” Watch for signs of compliance and level of effectiveness Prepare for follow-up tactics After spraying the subject, communicate with the subject using the "directive" approach (OPPITA, verbal communication which includes clear and concise commands). Direct them on to the ground and into a position of disadvantage or take physical control of the subject. This is based on assessing subject response, safety and surroundings. Secure canister after effective deployment and reassess the situation. If applicable, avoid approaching the subject for 10 to 15 seconds to avoid cross contamination and allow OC to take effect. Injury Potential All products utilized by police in Ontario are pressurized to 104 PSI. Therefore, DO NOT apply OC within 3 feet of subject to avoid potential eye injury. _____________________________________________________________________________________ [Screen #4] Let’s Put This Into Practice Analyze this image of an officer deploying OC spray on a subject and respond to the questions that follow. What is done well in this application? Arm punched straight out towards subject Thumb is used to press the actuator Officer is closer than 4 feet of the subject Both A and B A, B and C What is the ideal range for application of OC spray? 1 – 2 feet 2 – 4 feet 4 – 8 feet 8 or more feet away Is this application within the recommended range? Yes No What is the consequence of being under the recommended range for OC deployment? Possible cross-contamination of spray Pressure of the stream of the spray could cause damage to the subject’s eye Both A and B _____________________________________________________________________________________ [Screen #5] Properties of OC Spray Contents Capsaicinoids Propylene Glycol USP Denatured Alcohol Distilled H2O Nitrogen Propellant Dye 5-10 % by volume 104 P.S.I. @ 70 0 F OC is not flammable. The propellent in the canister is Nitrogen. This allows for the CEW to still be a viable option to be used on an assaultive subject if OC spray is used and proven to be ineffective. The contents of all OC products are Permanently Suspended and therefore DO NOT require mixing prior to deployment (shaking the Canister is not required). Effects of OC OC is classified as an inflammatory agent. On contact with OC, the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat immediately become inflamed and swollen. The systematic swelling produces involuntary eye closure due to dilating capillaries, nasal and sinus drainage, constricting airways and temporary paralysis of the larynx which causes gaging, coughing and shortness of breath. The extract of the peppers causes the blood vessels to dilate and the blood to rush to the upper body; the skin appears inflamed and resembles a burn. OC has the potential to cause one or a combination of temporary: Physical and/or Psychological Effects Physical Effects Capsaicin is a vasodilator. Its inflammatory properties are a result of dilating blood vessels in the affected areas. Subject may experience the following or react in the following ways: intense burning sensation eyes involuntarily close hands may go to the face uncontrollable coughing hyperventilation heavy mucous discharges Psychological Effects Compliance Agitation Auditory exclusion Panic Disorientation ___________________________________________________________________________________ [Screen #6] Uses of OC Spray OC is most likely used when a subject’s behaviour is assaultive and is used to gain compliance and control of the subject by: DISTRACTING DISORIENTING DISRUPTING ACTIVITIES DISABLING OC effects most people with varying degrees of effectiveness ranging from mild discomfort to total incapacitation depending on several factors: proper application subject mindset physical condition May require parallel and/or follow up force options based on demonstrated behaviours. Subject Mindset Someone who can focus or has a high pain threshold can fight through the effects of OC. This can be based on: Adrenaline Military training or experience High level athletic ability Intoxication Altered mental states OC spray is not effective on everyone. This is why it is essential that officers consider their back-up options when deploying OC. _____________________________________________________________________________________ [Screen #7] Subject Responses to the Use of OC Spray One of the following subject reactions are likely to occur upon deployment of OC spray: The spray was ineffective, which could result in agitating the subject further. If this is the case, what response could you choose next? Officers always need to consider this option and have a back-up plan (consider OPPITA). The subject could defend themselves from the application of OC spray in one or all of the following ways: arms and hands in front of face eyes closed in anticipation turn head away duck, bob or weave go behind cover Spray may cause panic, disorientation and auditory exclusion. In this case, what response is appropriate now by an officer? Communicate calmly, give clear directions and take physical control (consider OPPITA). Spray may elicit compliance as the subject may now want help decontaminating. In this case, what is the next course of action from the officer? Communicate calmly, give clear directions and take physical control (consider OPPITA). The following are signs of compliance: reduction of violent movement verbal tone, volume and rate slows slumping to the ground bowing of head or eyes shut calling for help total incapacitation You will have the ability to practice taking control of a subject after the deployment of OC spray when you arrive at OPC. OC is NOT Cumulative and will not become more effective by applying excessive amounts! External Implications to Deployment External factors that may affect the deployment of OC spray include: Deployment misses the intended target due to poor accuracy (operator error) Strong winds or heavy rains may affect accuracy (weather) Subject uses body or another object to deflect proper deployment ____________________________________________________________________________________ [Screen #8] Medical Reactions to OC Spray Acute Hyperventilation Syndrome (AHS) Signs: rapid breathing pale, sweating erratic behavior anxiety Symptoms: inability to catch breath tightness in chest tingling in hands & feet panic Treatment: Reassure the person they will be OK. Have them breathe slowly and deeply. If untreated, A.H.S. may result in unconsciousness; if this happens call Emergency Medical Services. Allergic Reaction (Anaphylactic Shock) Approx. 0.5% of general population may have an allergic reaction to pepper family Onset of anaphylaxis begins within 30 minutes Once underway the reaction usually progresses in an explosive manner Reaches peak intensity within 1 hour Symptoms: Generalized itching or burning, especially on palms, soles or groin area Hives Trouble swallowing Facial swelling (lips, nose and eyes) Progressive Symptoms: Apprehension and flushing Difficulty breathing Wheezing Rapid weak pulse Cyanosis (blue lips, fingernails) Treatment: Serious cases are very rare Render First Aid (Maintain Airway) Call for paramedics Persons who should not be sprayed: You should avoid spraying persons whom you know have the following conditions: Asthma Respiratory Problems Breathing Related Allergies It is unlikely that you will know in advance that a person has one of these conditions, but if you do, do not spray. Burns Any person who exhibits sunburn like redness more than one hour after application of O.C. and decontamination or shows signs of blistering should receive medical attention. Decontamination You are obligated to decontaminate the subject. As soon as you’ve gained control, you need to reassure them and follow these decontamination procedures. Decontamination Procedures Gain control first !! Reassure subject they will be O.K. Remove from contaminated area A.S.A.P. Have subject face wind if outdoors Flush affected area with water Call EMS if necessary, specifically if the prior medical conditions arise The best procedure for decontamination is: Cool Water, Air and Time _____________________________________________________________________________________ [Screen #9] Storage and Maintenance It is suggested that you following these procedures for the storage and maintenance of your issued OC spray. check canister carefully on issue every 30 days check can and pressure by 1/4 sec burst – outside after each use, weigh canister check with your service on replacement procedure avoid prolonged exposure to 120 F or 49 C sun or heat prolonged exposure below 0 C (32 F) will slow discharge remember, just like your firearm, your O/C is a weapon - protect it! Live Exposure Experience Traditionally at OPC, recruits were encouraged to participate in a live exposure experience, which involved: Being exposed with 1 second blast of live OC Using elbow and knee strikes on a large heavy bag Covering your weapon and calling for assistance Maintaining a reactionary gap from subject Conducting a gun point arrest while displaying CONTROLLED AGGRESSION This live exposure experience provided recruits with: Knowledge Confidence Real World Experience Court Credibility Cross Contamination Normal Reaction Empathy _____________________________________________________________________________________ [Screen #10] Let’s Put This into Practice Watch the following video of officers responding to a male subject in a bar. INSERT VIDEO HERE From what we have learned about the proper deployment of OC spray, identify which deployment actions were not necessary. This is a drag and drop activity – select the responses on the right and drag to the box on the left. Correct Responses List of Actions Shake the can More than one application Did not take physical control of the subject Sprayed within 4 feet of the subject Mindful of cross-contamination of other officers OC spray should only be one application of a 1-2 second burst. The officer is required to assess the response of the subject. If it is effective, then they should issue commands and take physical control of the subject. If it is not effective, the officer should have a plan B. In the video the officers continue to spray the subject and don’t seem to have a plan B. This then leads to the officers spraying multiple times and elevating their verbal commands, which just elevates the subject’s aggression. _____________________________________________________________________________________ [Screen #11] Legislation Affecting OC Spray 1990, O’Reg. 926 under Police Services Act (P.S.A) Sec. 14.1 (b) – The use of an aerosol weapon is permitted if the active ingredient is not a gas or chemical. “Aerosols are a legitimate force option only when the alternatives reasonably present a risk of injury to the subject or police officer.” Criminal Code Sec 25(1) - Authorized by law to do anything in the administration or enforcement of law, if acting on reasonable grounds, in using as much force as is necessary. Sec 26 - Anyone authorized to use force is criminally responsible for any excess thereof. Sec 27 - Prevention of certain offences arrest without warrant immediate and serious injury to the person or property of anyone. When an officer uses force, it must be an appropriate amount of force. You are held to this legislation when using force above the amount that is necessary. WEB DEVELOPER NOTE – INCLUDE THE OC EXAM RIGHT AFTER THIS ASYNC SESSION – THIS IS THE EXAM THAT IS ALWAYS USED IN THE OPCVA AFTER THIS SESSION.