Chemical Agents

What are the three types of chemical agents?

CN, CS, OC

What is the color code for CN?

RED

What is the color code for CS?

BLUE

What is the color code for OC?

ORANGE

Describe CN gas.

Tear Gas, WAS most widely used by police in tactical situations.

What is CN gas classifid as?

Irritant

What are the effects of CN?

1. TEMPORALY IRRITATES UPPER RESPIRATORY PASSAGES, LUNGS AND EYES

2. POSSIBLE NAUSEA AND VOMITING

3. FATAL IF USED IN CONFINED AREAS WHERE OXYGEN FALLS BELOW 16%

4. HAS INCENDIARY CAPABILITY

5. TEMPORARY BURNING SENSATION ON MOIST AREAS OF SKIN

6. TAKES EFFECT IN 5-10 SECONDS

Why is it very important for CN gas to be removed from a subject?

1. Must be removed as soon as possible.

2. Longer on skin the more damage possible.

3. Second degree burns have been recorded.

4. Cross contamination between officer and subject.

Describe CS gas.

1. Tear Gas

2. Most widely used by law enforceement

3. Takes effect in 3-10 seconds

What is CS gas classified as?

Irritant

What is the scent of CS gas?

Pepper

What is the scent of CN gas?

Apple Blossom

What are the effects of CS gas?

1. INCAPACITATE FOR 5-10 MIN AFTER EXPOSURE

2. TEMPORARY EYE IRRITATION

3. MAY CAUSE BREATHING DIFFICULTY, NAUSEA, DIARRHEA IN HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS

4. FATAL IF USED IN CONFINED AREAS WHERE O2 LEVELS FALL BELOW 16%

5. TEMPORARY BURNING SENSATION ON MOIST SKIN AREAS

Does CS gas impact animals?

No

Does CS gas impact alcohol or drug intoxicated people?

Has little to no effect.

Is CS gas fatal? explain.

1. Could be fatal if used in a small area

2. Can cause dermatitis on repeated exposure

Is there risk of cross contamination between officer and subject using CS gas?

YES

Describe CS gas.

Tear gas, widely uwsed by law enforcement

What is CS gas classified as ?

Irritant

How long CS gas take to taike effect?

3-10 seconds

Does CS gas impact animals?

Litte or no effct on animals.

Does CS gas impact alcohol or drug intoxicated people?

Little or no effect

What could be possibly fatal about CS?

1. HAS SEVERE CONTAMINATION PROBLEMS. ATTACHING TO CLOTHING,FURNISHINGS, AND SKIN

2. COULD BE FATAL IF USED IN SMALL AREA

3. CAN CAUSE DERMATITIS ON REPEATED EXPOSURES

4. CROSS CONTAMINATION CAN OCCUR BETWEEN SUBJECT/OFFICER

Describe OC spray?

1. ALL NATURAL SUBSTANCE MADE FROM THE OIL OF CAYENNE PEPPERS

2. OTHER INGREDIENTS MAY INCLUDE A PROPELLENT AND ANTIFREEZE

What is OC spray classified as?

Inflammatory

What are the effects of OC?

1. TEMPORARY BURNING AND TEARING OF EYES

2. TEMPORARY BURNING SENSATION OF SKIN

3. TEMPORARY SWELLING OF MUCUS MEMBRANES

4. CAN TEMPORARILY RESTRICTING BREATHING

True or False: CN, CS, and OC all have the same painful tearing and respiratory discomfort effect,

False. CN and CS causes painful tearing and respiratory discomforty, they do not produce the same inflamation and swelling effects as OC.

True or False: OC spray can only be used in cool temperatures.

False: OC can be used in a wide range of temperatures from hot to cold.

True or False: OC can cause secondary contamination.

True

What are the dispersal methods?

1. Expulsion

2. Pyrotechnic

3. Fog

4. Liquid

What is expulsion as a dispersal method?

1. USING A EXPLOSIVE OR FORCE TO EJECT A MICRO PULVERIZED AGENT INTO THE ATMOSPHERE

2. EXPLOSIVE FORCE RUPTURES A CONTAINER

What is pyrotechnic as a dispersal method?

1. BURNING OF GRANULATED AGENT AND PYROTECHNIC MIX THAT VAPORIZES AND IS RELEASED AS A CLOUD

2. CONTINUOUS DISCHARGE OR BURNING

What is fog as a dispersal method?

1. HOT GAS WHICH VAPORIZES LIQUID AND RELEASES AS A FOG CLOUD

2. REQUIRES A EFFICIENT DISSEMINATION APPARATUS

What is liquid as a dispersal method?

1. USE OF EXPELLING FORCE TO PROJECT LIQUID TO A TARGET

2. HAND HELD AEROSOL PROJECTORS  GAS PROPELS AGENT TO TARGET

When is OC spray most likely to be used?

By an officer in a one-one confrontation

What is CN and CS gas typically used?

Tactical situations under control of specially trained officers.

What are hazards of chemical agents?

FIRE

PROPERTY DAMAGE

INJURY TO BYSTANDERS AND PO’s

DEATH DUE TO PANIC OF LACK OF OXYGEN

LONG TERM CONTAMINATION

what are environemntal factors to consider before deploying chemical agents?

1. BUILDINGS

2. OUTDOOR ENVIORNMENT

3. WIND CONDITIONS

4. WIND SPEED 5-10 MPH most ideal

5. PRECIPITATION

True or falsa: After cehmical agets are used you must request an ambulance.

False, PROVIDE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO PERSONS INJURED OR INCAPACITATED FROM AGENT

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

If a suspect has OC spray are you justified in using deadly force?

NO

If a suspect has OC spray what should you do?

INCREASE DISTANCE, VERBAL COMMANDS, BACKUP OFFICERS

Name the safety precautions.

1. Verbal warnings before, during and after using

2. Trained in drawing and re-holstering

3. Alert other officers before using – “SPRAY”

how do you carry OC spray?

Carried on dominant side and drawn with strong hand  Dominant hand is considered best – stress etc.  OC and Firearm at same time – “Don’t consider this option”  Support side option – dominant hand free to draw firearm

Who should OC spray not be used on?

1. Infants

2. Children under 12 years of age

3. Persons over 60 years of age

4. Persons in restrained custody unless officers are still under attack

5. Against person operating motor vehicle

6. Risk to innocent bystanders

What are the after care procedures?

1. Maintain control of suspect without resorting to a restraint of airway

2. Constant observation of suspect for symptoms that require medical attention

3. Flush eyes with water then expose to air

What causes in custody deaths?

1. Positional Asphyxia

2. Indicators of sudden deaths:

   1. Bizarre/violent behavior

   2. Obesity – especially “big bellies” • Drugs / alcohol • Apparent ineffectiveness of O

How do you decontaminate a suspect?

1. Passage of time will ultimately relieve discomfort

2. Pour water over forehead, eyes, nose to flood both eyes

3. Encourage suspect to open eyes and blink eyes

4. Contact lenses – contact EMS to assist suspect

5. Expose to fresh air or some type of ventilation

How do you transport an indidivual

How should you report the use of OC spray?

1. Officer should document incident in accordance with officer’s agency policy.

2. Officer should complete a use of force report in accordance with Attorney General’s Use of Force Policy.