Freeze +P in my ENT's office

[.cheese.]

I saw an ENT the other day mainly about figuring out why I can barely breathe out of my nose all of a sudden, but also got my hearing checked since I worry that range visits will do some damage, even though I wear double hearing protection (earplugs under earmuff style protectors). Turns out, yes, I have lost a little hearing in 4 years, but not enough to worry about. (I'm still going to up my protection somehow).

Anyways, on my way out, I noticed there was a bottle of pepper spray at the counter where people sign for their copay. I asked, "Just out of curiosity, did somebody leave this here, or do you guys keep this here all the time?"

They told me that they keep it there because many years ago one of the doctors was threatened. I replied, "Oh ok, but you might want to keep it out of reach of just any joe schmoe who comes here to sign."

She (the nurse) picked it up and I saw it was Freeze +P. I said, "Oh. That's actually a good product." She mentioned that it was 3 years expired. I told her that it might be a good idea to replace it.

Anyways, 2 questions popped into my head afterwards as I went home.

1) Considering that Freeze +P is mainly CS. Doesn't that seem like a bad idea in an ENT's office where some people are there being treated for breathing difficulties? I figure if nothing else, pepper spray would be a better choice. Or better yet, a taser.

2) When stuff like that expires, is it really no good, or is it primarily the propellant that goes bad?

 

[Pax Jordana]

What better place to have an asthma attack then at your doctor's?

Also: It stands to reason that a doctor's office (esp an ENT) would have an air circulation system - stale air is not the best idea ever for people with allergies/diseases coming and going all the time. Next time you stop in, tell them pepper gel/pepper foam would be better for indoor use.

My theory (we can call this jordan's razor) is that most of the time, if you come upon an idea that seems really strange or badly implemented, it is either you or the implementer that has not thought it out well.

 

[kd7nqb]

You should let your doctor know that since the advent of smokeless powder in about 1850 firearms are far less likely to cause breathing difficulties. So therefore he should get a CHL and carry.

I am sure that this is not is current reason for not carrying but hey it seems like a fun argument.

Anyway, I have always been told that those expiration dates on OC or CS spray are more of a liability thing, saying that its effectiveness may be less than advertised after that date. But its cheap enough that buying a new can is certainly worth it.

 

[XDKingslayer]

Actually, I think the CS is the perfect thing to have in an ENT office. Think about it, if you have to hose someone, who better to treat the aftereffects or care for other people effected than an ENT.

If they had a gun, who's going to treat that?

 

[.cheese.]

well, I highly doubt they'd go for the gun bit.

I think Pax Jordana's idea of the gel stuff is probably the best. Although, I'm unsure whether they'd need a CWP for that stuff or not. Maybe it's still the 2 ounce rule regardless of the contents. I'm not clear on that off the top of my head.

 

[VirgilCaine]

the advent of smokeless powder in about 1850 firearms are far less likely to cause breathing difficulties.

I believe you mean 1884.

 

[mattk]

The Doctor's office is the worst place to have an asthma attack.
Guess who the doctor's office calls when you have an asthma attack?
911 and they usually wait WAY too long to call.

Back to the question, I think the CS also degards over time.

 

[conw]

#1 Well just think...if anyone with breathing problems got out of line, the effectiveness of the Freeze would be almost guaranteed. Just kidding. I think your concern is valid, and I might bring it up if I were you.

#2 I think both do.

 

[beemerphile]

I replaced my wife's 2-year expired OC spray and took the old one out to discharge it. It would not discharge - like a gummed up can of spray paint.

I'll replace them on time hereafter.