OC Countermeasures
The subject of OC spray countermeasures- as it relates to their use in a self-defense context- has never been addressed anywhere online. To my knowledge, this is the first time these tactics have ever been discussed in an open forum.
Count•ter•meas•ure-
A measure or action taken to counter or offset another one
For virtually every common weapon/tool there is a countermeasure:
• Gun > > > > bulletproof vest/soft body armor
• Knife > > > > stab-resistant vest; slash-resistant clothing
• TASER > > > TASER-proof shirt
These items of course, are designed to increase the probability of survival, and/or to decrease the effectiveness of the weapon/tool when used against the wearer. They also have another thing in common, all of them can be worn covertly.
So what does an OC/pepper spray countermeasure look like? Well, chances are that if you've watched some of the recent events in Baltimore or Ferguson you undoubtly noticed someone wearing a bandana or dusk mask to help counter the effects of the copious amounts of pepper spray used at the time. Since those particular countermeasures
do nothing to protect the prime targets areas for OC spray-the eyes-those things pose virtually no concern. Spray the eyes as usual. But what if your adversary
is using something to shield his eyes? Anything that blocks the OCs access to the mucosa of the eyes is a concern and defeating those countermeasures is what this post is all about.
Let's take a look at those that could potentially cause a problem in the event that you had to spray someone for self-defense.
Eyeglasses-Easily the most common "eye shield" you're going to come across. Honestly, glasses really aren't much of a defense against the effects of pepper spray. Though they will initially deflect a direct hit to the mucosa, the fact that they are open on the sides makes them really vulnerable. That, and the fact that the OC will eventually run down behind the glasses and take hold. The delay can seem like an eternity, however. So after the initial spraying, keep moving and have a counter of your own. It's always a good idea to have some H2H training under your belt. OC spray also has something else going for it... more on that below.
Gas masks/Motorcycle helmets-These items are, without a doubt, THE most troublesome for OC spray. Aside from protecting the eyes (for our purposes), and the head, they also protect the lungs. Not to mention the identity of the criminal. Motorcycle helmets are now routinely being used in the commission of crimes abroad. Thugs swoop in on a motorcyle, commit the crime, then take-off.
Unlike the countermeasures mentioned above for guns, knives, and TASERs-OCs countermeasures have a very unique disadvantage-They are overt. You cannot miss someone wearing those things. Especially the gas mask. While a motorcycle helmet won't necessary look out of place in a supermarket (if someone is caring it under their arm, for example), it definitely would out be of the ordinary if some fool was walking around with it on. This should be HUGE red flag. Remember, nothing takes the place of situational awareness! If you see someone walking around with either one of these things on, remain on high alert, better yet, get out of there and call 911.
In the (unlikely) event that you find yourself having to use OC/pepper spray against an attacker wearing either of these things,
and avoidance/escaping is no longer an option,
and you do not have a firearm, do the following:
Spray the eyes/face as you normally would! Here's why; at this point your spray just became OC spray...paint. That is, the natural pigmentation of OC, the orange-reddish color, will physically obstruct the eyesight of the person wearing the mask/helmet. You coat the visor/mask with that trademarked color OC is known for. This should (keyword) totally remove their eyesight, by way of physical obstruction. At this point they have two choices: remove the mask/helmet, or try and clear the "paint" away. Both of these things are good for you. If the sprayee tries to clear it away, use that opportunity to run or counter. If they lift the visor or remove the mask, spray them again. This time OC spray will do what it does best. Going from orange spray paint-back to its original purpose-an inflammatory agent. Use this opportunity to counter or flee.
As with any kind of assault or physical confrontation there are a ton of variables. Knowledge is power and there simply isn't any replacement for SA and training. Although it is impossible to prepare for every eventuality, the more you prepare and train, the better your odds. If I can steal a quote from Louis Pasteur: "Chance favors the prepared mind."
TL;DR-Sorry, can't sum up something this complex in a single line. Please read above
OCT