Unit 3 Lesson 14 Chemical Agents PDF

Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques Lesson 14 Chemical Agents Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know the effects of a chemical agent through contamina- tion and decontamination procedures. Types of Chemical Agents ✅ HL4314.1. Identify the types of chemical agents used by crimi...

Unit 3 Defensive Tactics Techniques Lesson 14 Chemical Agents Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know the effects of a chemical agent through contamina- tion and decontamination procedures. Types of Chemical Agents ✅ HL4314.1. Identify the types of chemical agents used by criminal justice officers Criminal justice officers primarily use two types of chemical agents to control resistant subjects: OC (oleoresin capsicum) or CS (orthochlorobenzal-malononitrile). Both are generally used in the form of handheld canisters and chemical projectiles. Special opera- tions units may use other deployment systems, such as pepper foggers or gas guns. OC, commonly called pepper spray, is an inflammatory agent that causes tearing and involuntary closing of the eyes, nasal discharge, sneezing, disorientation, and a sensation of respiratory distress. The skin will turn red due to the inflammation and show mild signs of puffiness. These effects wear off generally in 20–30 minutes, but in some cases, they may last longer. Although OC has become the preferred chemical agent of criminal justice agencies worldwide, CS may also be used. CS is an irritant agent that causes burning and tearing eyes, nasal discharge, and skin and upper respiratory irritation. The chemical, when making contact with skin, gives the sensation of pain by activating and irritating the neural transmitters of the body. Though there is no actual burning caused by the chemical, there is the sensation of an intense burn once contaminated. Contents of OC Spray ✅ HL4314.2. Identify the active ingredient in oleoresin capsicum Oleoresin capsicum is a natural derivative of the cayenne pepper, although there are some synthetic forms. The active ingredient in OC is known as capsaicin, which produces the heat felt when it makes contact with human tissue. Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 317 ✅ HL4314.3. Identify the use of the Scoville heat unit (SHU) in measuring the burning effect of chemical agents The heat value of capsicum is measured in Scoville heat units (SHU). The SHU scale was originally designed for determining the heat properties (burning sensation) of peppers for the restaurant industry. Bell peppers are at the low end of the scale, and cayenne pepper is higher on the scale. This is a fitting measurement for a chemical agent like OC which is in essence nothing more than a vegetable product voluntarily ingested by countless people in the form of food and medicine. Though it is true that OC is hot, SHUs are not equated with thermal degrees and, as such, do not present the burning dangers associated with fire. Within the formula, capsicum is mixed with a propellant consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or isobutane, whose function is to expel the active ingredient from the canister. In addition, the formula will include water, vegetable oil, or alcohol-based solutions, which hold the capsicum suspended so that the material does not sink to the bottom. This solution allows the capsicum material to remain suspended so that it is discharged evenly with every spray. You do not need to shake the canister before deployment. Alcohol-based sprays can create a potential fire hazard if sprayed directly into a flame or used in conjunction with electronic control devices (ECD). However, alcohol-based sprays adhere better to skin, making them more effective. Effects of OC OC has been proved to be highly effective on a majority of the population. There may be circum- stances in which OC will not deliver the expected results. Any of the following factors could influ- ence the results of the OC: a poorly placed spray where the OC does not make contact with the subject’s face, the subject’s mindset or past experience with the chemical agent, drug use, psycho- sis, or a high pain tolerance. This chemical agent has the most desired effects when sprayed directly at the subject’s face. Use caution when discharging any chemical directly into the eyes due to the compressed nature of the chemical, which discharges at a potentially dangerous speed. The effects of a direct discharge into the eyes has been known to cause slight tears in the eye membranes, which could lead to complications. ✅ HL4314.4. Identify the physical effects of a chemical agent on a subject When OC enters the eyes, it causes them to close. The subject will feel an intense burning sensation and the capillaries of the eyes will dilate, causing the eyes to appear bloodshot. If the chemicals are inhaled, they will often cause coughing and gasping. If the gag reflex is activated, the chemicals may cause gagging and even vomiting. These are common reactions due to the irritation of the skin and slight swelling of the lining of the throat. The nasal cavity will also swell, causing sneezing and significant discharge of mucus. Officers should always use caution when approaching subjects who have been contaminated, to prevent cross-contamination. 318 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 OC is particularly effective on moist areas of the body, including lips, tongue, and sweaty areas. A subject’s reaction to being sprayed can include a loss of balance, loss of coordination, anger, anxi- ety, fear, or panic. ✅ HL4314.5. Describe the correct responses to a subject’s prolonged or severe reactions to chemical agent contamination Officers are required to follow certain standards of care for each person contaminated by OC. Watch each contaminated person until they recover. If the person displays unusual behavior, immediately seek medical attention. If symptoms are acute, stabilize the subject, maintain an open airway, and ensure continuous breathing and proper circulation. The manufacturer’s safety data sheet (SDS) for the chemical agent used should be easily accessible. The OC Canister Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain the canister in working order. Though chemical canisters may dent or bend, there is generally no need to be concerned with the canisters leaking. Major manufac- turers of these chemical contaminants have intentionally designed the canisters to be soft, pliable, and resistant to cracking and splitting. (See Figure 4-79) Decontamination Procedures Decontamination procedures are an essen- tial component of the proper use of chemical agents. The chemical agent’s effects will wear off in time; however, decontamination may decrease the period of discomfort. Figure 4-79 Chemical agent canister nomenclature ✅ HL4314.6. Identify decontamination procedures for contamination from a chemical agent Whenever a subject is contaminated, follow the decontamination procedures according to agency policies. This standard of care should take place as soon as the subject is under control. When you must use a chemical agent on a suspect or encounter a person who has been accidentally contami- nated, do not leave that person unattended while the effects of the contaminant are evident. Psychological Decontamination Contamination by a chemical agent may also have psychological effects on the exposed person. Tell the contaminated person to remain calm and reassure them that the contaminant causes no Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 319 lasting effects and should dissipate within 20–30 minutes. This repeated reassurance will help prevent anxiety and panic, behaviors that can endanger you and others. Physical Decontamination While psychologically decontaminating the subject, an officer may also guide the person through the process of physical decontamination. Strobing After contamination, the person should never wipe or rub their eyes with their fingers. Doing so may rub small particles into the eye, which can ultimately damage the cornea. Instead, the person should begin by strobing their eyes. Strobing is forcefully blinking the eyes using all the muscles in the face, including those in the forehead. This forceful blinking helps clear the vision and activates the tear ducts. Tears help clear the eyes and wash away particles of contaminant. Breathing Tell the person to concentrate on breathing to draw their attention from the burning sensation caused by the contaminant. Focusing on the discomfort may cause the person to shut down and panic. A rhythmic inhale through the mouth and then a forceful exhale through the nose will cause the mucous glands to begin working and the nose to run. This will clear the nasal passages and sinuses of mucus containing contaminant particles. Removing Contaminants After strobing the eyes and breathing rhythmically, the person may remove contaminants from their skin. This will reduce the chemical agent’s effects. Air The chemical agent’s effects will wear off in time by mere exposure to air, for example by standing in a breeze or in front of a fan. Water The person should use a large amount of running water to irrigate their eyes and facial skin. Decontaminant Solutions There is no absolute antidote for chemical agents, but decontaminant solutions, such as baby sham- poo, may decrease contamination effects. Many manufacturers produce solutions that are easy to carry in patrol vehicles and require little or no cleanup. The eyes should be rinsed with water and dabbed with an uncontaminated towel to lift the contaminant from skin. Scrubbing or using oil-based soaps to decontaminate can cause the contaminant to adhere to the skin and prolong decontamination time. Medical personnel should treat prolonged or severe reactions. 320 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (HL): Volume 2 Documentation Using a chemical agent is considered a use of force and should be documented according to agency policies. Document the contamination and the decontamination procedures taken. Chapter 4 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics / 321