What steps should you take if OC spray contacts a responder's skin or eyes?

• A. Immediately rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical care if symptoms persist, and document.
• B. Rub eyes with dry cloth.
• C. Apply soap and water for 5 minutes only.
• D. Ignore and continue work.

Answer: (A)

Immediate, thorough decontamination helps minimize the burns and irritation from OC spray. Start by flushing the affected skin or eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes. This rapid irrigation dilutes and removes the irritant from contact areas. After flushing, remove any contaminated clothing to prevent continued exposure from the fabric. If symptoms persist—such as ongoing burning, eye pain, or vision changes—seek medical care to assess and treat any possible injuries. Finally, document the incident for proper records and follow-up.

Rubbing the eyes with a dry cloth can push the irritant deeper and worsen irritation. Washing with soap for only a short time is not enough to remove the spray, and ignoring the exposure leaves you at risk of ongoing harm.