GotoAID - Pepper Spray

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Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is a capsicum chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness. It is generally used in riot control, crowd control, and personal self defense.

Symptoms

Stinging and Burning of the Eyes, Nose, Mouth, and Skin	Coughing
Excessive Tearing	Difficulty Breathing
Blurred Vision	Choking
Runny Nose	Disorientation and Confusion
Drooling	Rash
Chemical Burn

Steps

Reassure and keep the person calm. DO NOT rub the face – This will aggravate the pain.

Expose the person to fresh air like a breeze or a fan.

Flush eyes with saline or cool fresh water for at least 15 minutes or until stinging subsides

Wash affected area with non oil or cold cream based soap and water to remove pepper spray from the skin

Contaminated clothes should be removed and place in a sealable plastic bag/container.

Monitor the person’s breathing, if oxygen is needed call emergency services.

Pepper spray penetrates to the nerve endings and its effects may last for hours after treatment

If pain or symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Warnings

DO NOT panic and stay calm as panicking increases the irritation

Breathe slowly and remember it is only temporary (it lasts usually from 20 minutes to 2 hours)

DO NOT swallow; instead blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough and spit

DO NOT rub eyes; instead blink the chemical out

If the person uses contact lenses, remove them carefully with clean hands

Always use gloves if contact is made with contaminated items.

Tips

People should remove contaminated clothes and place them in a sealed plastic bag

Remove contact lenses, chemical particles can get trapped under the lends and cause serious eye damage

Vaseline, makeup, detergent soap, skin moisturizers or any skin products with chemical additives and oil bases can trap tear gas particles on your skin and cause serious damage

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Suggestions

Tear Gas

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