• OCAT – Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol Training

  • Spartan Security Services has many years of OCAT® training experience, better known as Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), or Pepper Spray. Certified Training Instructor gives Oleoresin Capsicum hands on training, which is a convenient aerosol spray that is used as a protection device, from the history of OC, to practical hands on application.  Presented By: Erik G. Vasquez written and developed by: Roland Ouellette, Master Instructor and Ed Nowicki, Master Instructor

  • History of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)

    Pepper Spray Canister

    In 1976 - Mr. Gardner “Chip” Whitcomb (FL) 1st “OC” formulation 1989 - FBI completes 3 year study 1991 - 1st International “OC” seminar held in Milwaukee, WI by R.E.B. Security Training 1993 - 1st OC newsletter published by R.E.B. 1994 - IACP completes study “Pepper Spray and In-Custody Deaths” of 30 incidents. OC was NOT the cause of death in any of the cases.

    OC Has Been Used By -

    • The U.S. Military

    • Government Agencies

    • Local Law Enforcement

    Private Security Companies

    • Average Citizens

    Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)

    Classification: OC - Inflammatory Pepper Spray: A oil based chemical agent derived fro the Cayenne pepper deployed from a aerosol can. Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Symptomatic OC - Immediate Effect: CN - 2 to 5 Seconds CS - 20 to 60 Seconds  ICt50 OC - (median incapacitation dosage) N/A LCt50: OC - (median lethal dosage) N/A CN - ICt50: 20 mg-min/m3   CN - LCt50: 14000 mg-min/m3  CS - ICt50: 10-20 mg-min/m3   CS - LCt50: 25000 mg-min/m3

    What is Oleoresin Capsicum?

    Oleoresin:  An oily resin mixture that occurs naturally in various plants.

    Capsicum: Any of several varieties of the red pepper such as cayenne peppers.

    Capsaicin: A bitter, strongly irritating, white crystalline alkaloid extracted from capsicum. It’s the stuff that makes it HOT!

    Effects of OC

    • Varies from person to person

    • The way the OC was produced

    • Heat of OC (1/2 - 2 million SHU’s) 

  • Effects of OC are Dependent On

    Red Peppers

    1) The concentration level

    2) Type of delivery system used

    3) Sensitivity of the individual

    4) How the product is used

    5) Physical condition

    6) Mental condition

    7) Degree of exposure to OC

    8) Drug or alcohol use

    Concentration Level

    • Most OC units range from 1-10%. 

    • Difference is in the recovery time.

    • Effects are usually immediate regardless of concentration level.

    • Average units vary from 1-10%.

    Delivery Systems

    • Cone Sprays: are designed to engulf the subject, effecting the eyes, respiratory system and mucous membranes.

    • Stream Sprays: effect the eyes and mucous membranes of the face.

     Delivery Systems

    • Foam Sprays cover the face and effect the eyes and mucous membranes.

    • Bursts/Fogger Sprays are designed to deliver a large quantity of OC in a “fog” manner.

    • Splatter Sprays are a combination of a cone and a stream spray.

    • Sensitivity Redness of the skin varies on fair skinned individuals.

    • Effects on the Eyes

    • Open and close rapidly or close completely.

    • May remain red for 10 minutes to 2 hours.

    • Burning sensation

    • Heavy tearing

    • Contact lenses should be removed for faster recovery. 

    Decontamination of Eyes

    • Keep eyes open facing the wind

    DO NOT rub eyes.

    • The tearing will help clear eyes.

    • Use cool, fresh, running water to flush the eyes.

    Effects on the Respiratory System

    • If OC is inhaled the respiratory tract will become inflamed. This causes coughing, gagging, tightness in the chest and gasping for breath. 

    • Coughing usually stops within 5 to 10 minutes.

    Decontamination Procedures

    • Instruct the person to breath normally

    • Have the subject continue talking.

    • Be reassuring to help relieve the subjects panic

    Effects on the Face

    • Face feels hot.

    • A burning / stinging sensation

    • Mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and lips may swell.

    • Skin will turn red

    Decontamination Procedures

    • Have subject sit still to reduce sweating 

    • Expose the affected area to cool moving air 

    • Flush the skin with cool, fresh, running water 

    • Contact EMS when safe to do so  

    Effects on the Nose

    • Nasal discharge

    Decontamination Procedures

    • Blow nose

    Physiological diversions can cause confusion and disorientation. An involuntary response which addresses our most basic fears (i.e. blindness, suffocation).

    Symptoms cause Physiological Diversions Common Symptoms

    • Hands go directly to the face, possibly dropping whatever is in the hands.

    • Upper body bends forward or will twist at the waist.

    • Body shakes uncontrollably. Physiological Diversions Common Symptoms

    • Legs become weak - subject gropes around for the ground or floor.

    • Body loses stability - subject goes to hands and knees.

    • Hearing impairment - subject cannot hear what you say.

    • Muscles become rigid - subject may not respond to verbal commands.

    • Produces rapid physiological actions.

    • Produces desired effects in low concentrations.

    • Permits rapid recovery without lasting effects.

    • Restricts immunity build up because it is an inflammatory.

    Don’t let your guard down

    • Even once a subject has been sprayed the officer should approach with care. Because of the varying degree of effectiveness, officers should never expect immediate incapacitation and should always be prepared to overcome further resistance. 

     

  • When To Use

    Pepper Spray

    Before you can understand where OC fits into the arsenal of defensive tools, you must understand the Levels of Force. OC is considered an additional use of force option and is not intended to replace a firearm, PR-24 baton, straight baton, expandable baton or any other authorized piece of equipment, nor is it intended to replace defense and control techniques.

    Use of Force Levels

    9 Lethal Force  (Firearm)

    8 Intermediate Force  (Stun Gun, Taser, PR-24 Baton or other impact weapon)

    7 Aerosol Chemical Agent  (CN or CS)

    6 Empty Hand Impact  (Stunning Techniques)

    5 Decentralization  (Pain Compliance Holds, Pressure Point Control, Defensive Tactics)

    4  Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol Sprays

    3 Passive Control  (Escort Techniques, Light Subject Control)

    2 Verbal  / Non Verbal Communication

    1 Officers Presence in Uniform

    Four General  Levels of Force

    Persuade: Verbal and non-verbal commands. OC could be used.

    Seek Compliance: Use of pain compliance techniques or OC could be used depending upon the level of resistance.

    Four General  Levels of Force

    Impede Subject’s Action - Impact weapons or other intermediate weapons or techniques - OC could be used.

    Stop Subject’s Action - When a subject attacks with a weapon, it may be necessary to use lethal force - OC could be used.

    Officer / Subject Factors  - Numerous factors may effect the selection of an appropriate level of force. Examples include:

    – Age

    – Relative strength

    – Size

    – Skill level

    – Multiple subjects

    Acceleration Through the Levels of Force

    Some circumstances which may cause an officer to accelerate very rapidly through the Levels of Force.

    – Special knowledge

    – Injury or exhaustion

    – Proximity to the officer’s firearm

    – Ground fighting – Disability

     

     

    For more information for this Training Course please refer to the online training application