OC pepper spray is one of the easiest defense tools to use, which is why they are rapidly gaining in popularity. They allow you to incapacitate an opponent without using force or permanently harming the attacker. Even though pepper spray is relatively easy to use, learning how to use pepper spray effectively is still important. You never know when it may save your life.
*Move*
Never thrust your arm out and spray while remaining rooted to the same spot. If your assailant has quick reflexes, they may mange to knock the pepper spray out of your hand. Instead spray while you continue to back away. This will draw your attacker into the line of spray, and provide you with a few more precious seconds to continue to spray if need be.
*Always carry your pepper spray in the same spot*
In a tight situation, you do not want to hunt around for it-you don’t have time. Practice drawing your pepper spray at home until you feel comfortable.
*Use surprise to your advantage*
Don’t hold the your spray out and alert your attacker. Instead, wait for the right moment to draw and shoot. Make sure you’re in range, and that you can hit them in the face area before using your pepper spray.
*Create a distraction*
Just before you use the spray, thrust your non firing arm out in front of you and shout as loud as you can, then shoot. By shouting you take the focus off your shooting arm, and it may startle your assailant, providing you with a few seconds more to direct and hit your attacker.
*Keep your pepper spray close*
Rather than holding the spray at arms lenth it should be 6-8 inches from your face. This greatly reduces the chance that they can take it away from you.
*Aiming*
Aim directly towards the face of your attacker. (Keeping the spray close to you helps with this as well) Never close your eyes when you use pepper spray. If you miss your initial shot, you’ll need your eyes open to make another.
*Use short bursts*
You should not wave the canister from side to side. Use pepper spray in bursts of about 2 or 3 seconds. When practicing with your spray count the three seconds so it is almost second nature. Even that little bit is normally about twice the amount of OC spray required to stop them. This way you will have plenty of ammunition in reserve in case you need to adjust your aim or just issue a second dose to cover your escape.
*Stay Ready*
Make sure your attacker is out of commission and you’ve made your escape before putting your pepper spray away. Once you have escaped you should contact the proper authorities immediately.
*Don’t Forget the Important Part*
The entire purpose of using pepper spray is to allow you to escape. Just spray and get away immedietely. We want them to be caught, and punished severly, but your main purpose is surviving the encounter not punishment.
Use these tips to defend yourself effectively with pepper spray. All of them are important, and all of them could save your life.
I highly recommend Doug Lambs’ booklet on defense sprays to learn more about how to practice, choose, and most importantly how to use pepper spray properly.
David English owns Marshall Self Defense. A family owned and operated company that is dedicated to helping you keep your family safe.
Find pepper spray at: http://www.marshallselfdefense.com/pepper-spray.htm