Carrying OC Spray is the Perfect Self-Defense Tool
If you follow John Correa over at Active Self Protection (Side Note: If you aren’t subscribed to his YouTube channel, go do so as you’re truly missing out on a ton of free knowledge), you’d know he is a fan of carrying OC spray as a self-defense tool. He would rather bless someone with the hot sauce than need to pull his firearm if it can be avoided. Being able to have layers of defense is key to getting out of many situations.
Here are some quick things to consider before resorting to something like an OC spray:
- Be situationally aware
- If you see trouble, move away and toward safety
- Use verbal judo to de-escalate a situation
- Apologize and walk away (even if the situation isn’t your fault)
When all else fails, or you royally screwed up what was mentioned above, the use of an OC spray may be a better option since you aren’t physically hitting someone and potentially doing them (or yourself) harm. Getting hit with this self-defense tool in the face is going to cause that individual to rethink their life choices and disorient them. Their inability to see is your opportunity to get out of dodge and to safety.
And truth be told, most people feel more comfortable using OC spray as a non-lethal alternative to a firearm or other weapon if they need to defend their life. Others may carry it as a means of protecting themselves in potentially dangerous situations, such as while walking alone at night or while traveling to unfamiliar places. Remember, you are your own first responder, and you can’t count on someone else to save you.
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Still, others may carry it as a way to protect themselves from animal attacks, particularly in areas where there is a risk of encountering wild or aggressive animals. Ultimately, the decision to carry OC spray is a personal one, and it is up to each individual to determine whether it is a suitable option for his or her needs.
In this article, we are going to dive a little further into this self-defense tool, why it’s so great, and at the end, I’ll give you my recommendation for the type of OC spray I used and trust on my person if needed in a self-defense scenario.
It should be noted that this is a tool I recommend if a deadly threat is NOT present. If a deadly threat such as a firearm is presented, I plan to use equal or greater force when necessary.
Table of contents
Why Would You Want to Carry a Non-Lethal Self-Defense Tool?
There are many reasons why someone might choose to carry a non-lethal self-defense tool such as OC spray. One reason is that non-lethal self-defense tools can be used to protect oneself without causing serious injury or death to the attacker. This can be especially important in situations where the attacker is not armed or does not pose a significant threat to the safety of the person using the self-defense tool.
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After all, the goal shouldn’t be to harm someone but rather have them stop the behavior they are currently engaged in.
Another reason is that non-lethal self-defense tools like an OC spray may be preferred by individuals who are opposed to the use of lethal force, either for personal or moral reasons. Non-lethal self-defense tools can also be useful in situations where the use of deadly force is not justified, such as when an attacker is not armed or is not presenting a serious threat to the safety of the person using the self-defense tool.
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Finally, non-lethal self-defense tools like OC spray can be an effective means of protecting oneself in certain situations, particularly if the person using the self-defense tool is physically smaller or weaker than the attacker.
What is OC Spray?
OC spray, also known as or referred to as pepper spray, is a self-defense tool that is designed to incapacitate an attacker or assailant and can be carried while you are walking alone at night, traveling to unfamiliar places, or just wanting to feel more secure.
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Such a product contains a chemical compound called oleoresin capsicum, which is a naturally occurring substance found in hot peppers. When OC spray is released, it causes irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, which can temporarily disable an attacker and give the user a chance to escape.
OC spray is commonly used by law enforcement and security personnel, but it is also available for civilian use and can be purchased on sites such as Amazon. It is typically sold in the form of a canister with a trigger mechanism and can be sprayed from a distance of several feet.
The use of OC spray is a non-lethal option that is widely considered to be an effective means of self-defense. However, it is important to use caution when using such a self-defense tool, as it can have serious side effects if it is inhaled in large amounts or comes into contact with certain medical conditions.
It should also be noted that deploying OC spray can cause some blowback onto the person blessing someone with the hot sauce. However, the effects should not be as strong as what the attacker is feeling, but it also depends on strong winds you may be faced with.
What is Capsicum?
Capsicum is the active ingredient in OC spray that causes this irritation. Capsicum is a natural substance found in certain types of peppers, and it is the compound that gives peppers their spicy flavor. When it comes into contact with the eyes, nose, or throat, it can cause intense burning and irritation, making it difficult for an attacker to continue their assault or continue acting in a certain way.
Why Should You Carry an OC Spray?
Here are a few reasons why you should consider carrying an OC spray:
1. It is a non-lethal option
OC spray is a non-lethal option that can be used to deter attackers and potentially escape dangerous situations. It works by irritating the eyes, nose, and throat, which can temporarily disable an attacker and give you a chance to get away.
2. It is easy to use
OC spray is very easy to use, as it can be sprayed from a distance and does not require any special training or physical strength. All you need to do is aim and press the trigger, and the self-defense tool will release a fine mist that will affect the attacker’s respiratory system.
3. It is convenient to carry
OC spray comes in a variety of sizes and can be easily carried in a purse, pocket, or even attached to a keychain. This makes it convenient to have on hand in case you ever find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.
That being said, keeping it buried in a purse is not ideal. Also, having it on keys that are not readily accessible is not recommended. Personally, I recommend you get a pocket clip version and have it staged in your pocket at all times.
4. It is legal in most places
While there are some restrictions on where you can carry such a self-defense tool, it is generally legal in most places. It is always a good idea to check your local laws before carrying OC spray, but in most cases, it is a legal and effective self-defense tool.
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Overall, carrying an OC spray can give you an added level of protection and peace of mind when you are out and about. While it is not a replacement for other self-defense methods, it is a convenient and effective tool that can be used in a variety of situations.
What’s It Like Getting Hit in the Face By an OC Spray?
Being hit by OC spray can be a very unpleasant experience, thanks to the capsicum found present in the higher quality products.
When the OC spray and capsicum come into contact with the eyes, nose, or throat, it can cause intense burning and irritation to temporarily disable an attacker. The effects of this self-defense tool can last anywhere from a few minutes depending on the type of spray and how much got on the attacker’s face, but they can also be very intense and may last upwards of several hours.
In general, being hit by OC spray can cause the following symptoms:
- Intense burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Watery eyes
- Swelling of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Coughing and sneezing
- Nausea
If you are hit by OC spray, it is important to stay calm and not rub your eyes, as this can worsen the symptoms. Instead, try to rinse your eyes with water and seek medical attention if the symptoms do not improve or if you have difficulty breathing.
Can Being Sprayed Be Fatal?
It is highly unlikely that being hit by OC spray would cause death. While the effects of this self-defense tool can be very unpleasant and may cause temporary incapacitation, they are generally not considered to be life-threatening.
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However, it is possible that OC spray could cause serious health problems in some individuals, particularly if they have a pre-existing respiratory condition or are allergic to capsicum.
If you have been hit by OC spray and are experiencing difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While the effects of this self-defense tool are usually temporary, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Why Do I Carry POM OC Spray?
For starters, why not? You’re looking at something that costs around $13, and that easily slips into a pocket. The ability to stop a threat by non-lethal means is important to me as I only want to pull a firearm if a deadly threat has presented itself and I have no other options.
So, what do I carry? POM OC spray.
POM OC spray is a brand of pepper spray that is manufactured by POM Industries. This OC spray is designed to incapacitate an attacker by irritating the eyes, nose, and throat when sprayed. POM uses a highly concentrated capsicum for maximum potency when blessing someone with the hot sauce if needed. POM OC spray is available in various colors and ways to attach the OC spray to your pocket or keys, and it may be used for personal protection or as a means of deterring animal attacks as well as people who want to do you harm.
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And as always, go out and get the proper training needed to be proficient with your firearm(s) and EDC gear. I am not an instructor or tactical ninja, and I don’t pretend to be one on the weekends. I’m simply someone who seeks knowledge, improvement, and proficiency when it comes to self-defense and the ability to protect my family and those around me. You are your own first line of defense, seek the training of a certified and experienced instructor. And if you are in the market for an OC spray, go ahead and pick up the POM OC spray. You’ll thank me later.
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