Most subjects encountering OC involuntarily bend at the waist and in some cases drop to their knees.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not sure

Answer: (A)

OC spray delivers a rapid, intense irritant effect to the eyes, airways, and skin. That pain and burning triggers protective reflexes. Lowering the torso by bending at the waist helps shield the face, reduce exposure, and brace for coughing or a loss of balance. In many encounters, people instinctively drop to their knees as the irritation peaks. Because this reflexive behavior is commonly observed, most subjects will bend at the waist, and some will kneel, though individual responses vary with exposure level and tolerance.