Unfortunately, OC sprays don't always do the job, can cause injuries, and often affects the law enforcement agent as well. Is there a better choice?
OC Risks:
Incapacitating effects in general are not immediate. This may result in the sprayed subject’s ability to continue aggressive behavior.
For uncertain reasons, OC has been shown to be completely ineffective against some people. The effect of drugs or alcohol may also greatly reduce perpetrator susceptibility.
By design, OC aerosolizes and therefore cross-contaminates. This risk occurs outdoors and is greatly enhanced indoors. All in the vicinity are affected including the subject, user, backup, other emergency responders, and bystanders. Many facilities, including medical offices, hospitals, and schools refuse to allow the use or carry of OC products (even for professional security guards) given the potential for cross-contamination and liability concerns there from.
OC may cause profound respiratory symptoms. This may pose heightened risk for those with lung disease, including asthma.
There is no antidote to oleo-capsaicin, therefore OC is not quickly neutralized. Decontamination of the subject, user, and any bystanders with copious amounts of cool water generally takes at least one hour. Facility and vehicle cleaning can take hours, resulting in reduction of law enforcement productivity, need for uniform change, and delay in returning to service.
OC use in the field as well as in training usually means the end of an officer’s day. It may result in a sick day the following day as OC is often reactivated in the shower and its effects can last from 24-36 hours if decontamination is less than totally effective.
So, is there a better option out there? Why yes there is.
Reflex Protect Presidia Gel
Reflex Protect Presidia Gel is a new, non-flammable CS formula that is fast-acting, sticky, and deployed in a tight stream. It does not cause side splatter or cross-contamination. This results in a high degree of accuracy with a non-atomizing stream that does not displace oxygen and can be used indoors or within vehicles. Its effects include immediate, severe discomfort and involuntary eye closure resulting in complete debilitation.
Ingredients: 2% chlorobenzalmalononitrile, accelerant
Long-Term Effects: None known.
Short-Term Effects: Presidia Gel has inflammatory effects. In the eyes, symptoms include superficial keratitis and conjunctivitis. On the skin, superficial irritation occurs but no blistering or ulceration. Allergic reaction is possible but very unusual. If ingested, gastrointestinal irritation may result, causing nausea and rarely, vomiting.
Reflex Remove Decontaminant Solution and Spray
Description: Reflex Remove is a clear, colorless liquid with a slight orange scent.
Ingredients: Surfactants, cleaning mixture, and water. Note: Author is informed that a patent application is pending for the otherwise trade secret formula, but the Lead Chemist represents and warrants the formula as novel yet benign as baby shampoo.
Long-Term Effects: None known.
Short-Term Effects: None known. Reflex Remove is considered safe for all individuals regardless of medical comorbidities. No observed serious reactions as a result of decontamination maintained.
Decontamination Effectiveness Re: Presidia Gel: The efficacy of Reflex Remove appears profound. There is noticeable improvement within several seconds of application and a dramatic improvement within 2 minutes when used as instructed. Use of a single (5 oz) liquid bottle or aerosol spray version of the product sufficed for individual decontamination in testing.
Conclusion
It appears that OC sprays will soon be a thing of the past. With more targeted delivery, safety for officers, bystanders, and even criminals, Reflex Protect and Reflex Remove are providing non-lethal products that are moving the evolution of protection forward.
Why Reflex Protect Tactical?
We are a safety preparedness company rewriting the rules about what’s possible with less-lethal defense. Reflex Protect® Tactical has taken a fresh look at active defense sprays and created an insanely effective and game changing defense spray and decontaminant that law enforcement is calling “a game changer.”
Our products are the fastest acting on the market and vetted by law enforcement. Certified training is also available.
Contact us today!