Instructions

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VERIFICATION: ACTUATOR SWITCH IS IN 'LOCK' SAFETY POSITION.

Do NOT touch the red actuator switch. Do NOT press it down!
Never point the unit towards anything that you would not want to intentionally spray.
Confirm that the unit is set in the 'lock' safety position. To do this, review the pictures below and notice the two positions of the red actuator switch:

• 'Lock' safety position.
• Ready to 'fire' position.

Notice from the pictures above that the exhaust port hole (orifice) or barrel does NOT show when it is resting in the safety 'lock' position. Never look directly at the exhaust port hole (orifice) to verify this fact.

The red actuator switch moves in two directions: 1) horizontally between the 'lock' safety position and the ready to 'fire' position and 2) as stated above, vertically downwards to 'fire' a discharge of spray splatter.

Review the pictures below and notice that the black spray head shroud or cap that houses the red actuator switch, when viewed from the rear, has two notches for the red actuator switch to rest above:

• 'Lock' safety position.
• Ready to 'fire' position.

Again, because this is a loaded weapon, verify that the red actuator switch is in the 'lock' safety position. Therefore, it should be in the farthest horizontal position to the left (or farthest clockwise if viewed from above) that the switch can be rotated to. It will be resting above the imprinted word 'lock' that has been mold injected into the surface. At this point do NOT move the red actuator switch from the 'lock' safety position to view this feature. Observe the feature in the next section after the switch has been moved to the 'fire' ready position. At that time also notice that the letter 'o' in the word 'lock' has a slight formed protrusion which acts as a safety feature to restrict the unintentional horizontal movement of the red actuator switch.

MECHANICS OF FIRING THE DEFENSIVE SPRAY

1) Moving the Red Actuator Switch from the 'Lock' Safety to Fire Ready Position:
Review the photo below and notice that the canister is held in a vertical position with the exhaust port hole (orifice) or barrel pointed at the target; the entire black shroud or cap is above the uppermost finger. This canister holding position provides a sturdy grip and ensures that the exhaust port hole (orifice) or barrel is not obstructed. This clearance allows unimpeded and accurate discharging of the spray and helps to keep the hand from being contaminated.

Carefully slide the red actuator switch with the raised thumb horizontally to the farthest position to the right (or counter clockwise if viewing from above) that the switch can be rotated to. The unit is now ready to fire and any downward pressure on the red switch will release spray.
 
2) 'Fire' Ready Position
When the red actuator switch is in the fire ready position it rests over the deeper second notch located in the black shroud or cap. This deeper notch allows for the red actuator switch to be pressed downward into the notch which opens the vertically actuated valve to release spray.

To fire the unit press firmly downward on the entire top surface of the red actuator switch with the full last digit (joint) of the thumb. Review the photo below.

3) Fire the Spray Using Multiple Short Spray Bursts
The propellant in the pressurized aerosol can produces a total of about 5 seconds of aerosol spray time. The use of multiple short ½ second bursts allows for more shots. . The primary shots will have more force since the total amount of propellant is being extinguished with each release of spray.

4) Spray Pattern
An aerosol design chemist created a customized 'splatter' type spray pattern for Enhanced Defense Sprays which differs from the traditional 'stream' or 'fog' spray patterns. The splatter pattern covers a wide area which makes it easy to hit a target and resembles a hybrid of a shotgun blast and a 'skunk spray splatter'. See the FAQ Section, Aerosol: Design & Mechanics, for more detail.

5) Critical Target Areas
The facial area consisting of the eyes, nose and mouth are the critical target areas.

The pepper spray is an irritant which produces the intensely painful sensation of burning on any tissue in which it contacts. The eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract are especially vulnerable and therefore produce the most effective response. The pepper spray also acts as a lachrymator which affects the tear (naso-lacrimal) ducts of the eyes causing excessive tearing. The blood vessels in the eyes are affected as well, causing difficulty with vision and restricting the capability of keeping them open. The inhalation of small particles causes the respiratory reactions of coughing and difficulty in breathing. The mucous membranes will release an uncontrollable discharge of mucus fluid from the nose. These physiological effects and the corresponding psychological effects are what make pepper spray such an effective incapacitation agent .

6) Maximum Effective Range
The maximum effective range of the aerosol spray is 8 to 10 feet. The eight (8) feet distance is measured from the 'canister nozzle' to the 'target'. However, the extended length of a partially or fully outstretched arm during the 'firing' of the spray will add that much more proportional distance, therefore 10 feet is the maximum distance when measured from 'face to face'. 

7) Shield Face When Spraying Into Wind
Even though the splatter spray pattern has been designed to throw a thicker discharge splatter spray than traditional sprays e.g. 'fog', it is possible for the finer spray material to 'blow-back' into the face of the sprayer if there is a strong wind. Consider this fact when positioning the body for spray applications. Shield the face when spraying into the wind.

8) Reaction Time, Pain Tolerances & Effectiveness.
The reaction time of the incapacitating agent on the critical target areas is generally a few seconds. Pain tolerances and effectiveness will vary among drugged, intoxicated and enraged individuals. Pepper spray is effective and will increase protection from physical attack but it should only be part of a complete self-protection plan.

It can not be over emphasized:

• Keep a safe distance.
• Do not attempt capture.
• Escape immediately.
• Call police.

9) Use the product for only one self protection event.
The pepper spray device is intended to be used for only one self protection event. Do not save any unused portion for use again in another situation because the quantity of any remaining irritant and propellant cannot be accurately determined.

WHAT WARRANTS THE FIRING OF A DEFENSIVE SPRAY?

Exposure to the irritating agent will require the application of emergency first aid measures. Link here for the First-Aid Measures document for pertinent information.

It is possible, after the use of this product, for an assailant to declare that the defensive action was unwarranted. To increase personal asset and liability protection a need for the use of force should be justified by following an escalation of warnings, starting with a vocal or signal command, such as: STOP!, NO! The escalation process can happen very quickly involving only a matter of a few seconds. For this reason a plan of action must be predetermined and practiced. This is not a time to hesitate. The pepper spray defense action can cause an incapacitating effect that creates an opportunity for escape. Use this to your advantage! View the video section for a short movie on this subject.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ESCALATION STAGES

Law Enforcement's use of force escalation stages are:

1. Warning: verbal or signal commands.
2. Less-Than-Lethal weapon: 'aerosol subject restraint' (ASR) using an 'aerosol projected irritant' (API) e.g. pepper spray.
3. Minor Physical Force: baton, martial arts.
4. Medium Force: less-than-lethal weaponry (electronic stun devices, rubber bullets).
5. Maximum Force: lethal weaponry (firearms).

SUGGESTED DEFENSIVE ACTIONS

Stage #1: Probable Cause for Defensive Action.
Verbal or signal commands to cease threatening behavior have been violated.
Action: The canister has been located from its stored position in the purse, pocket, backpack, glove box, console, etc. and is concealed in the hand. The actuator switch is still in the 'lock' safety position and the thumb is on the red actuator switch. The situation is being monitored and evaluated for 'level of threat'.

Stage #2: Highly Probable Cause for Defensive Action.
Assailant initiates serious verbal threats and/or physical force by attempting body contact by grabbing, holding, hitting, kicking, etc.
Action: The thumb rotates the red actuator switch from the 'lock' safety position to the 'FIRE' ready position. The situation is being mentally monitored and evaluated for 'level of threat'.

Stage #3: Defensive Action Required. The situation is determined to be serious to health and life threatening.
You have attempted retreat from the situation but the assailant's actions continue the display of physical force; in addition, the sighting of, display of, or threat of the use of weaponry.
The situation has escalated to the point where the assailant must be sprayed to defend yourself. With the red actuator switch already in the 'fire' ready position, the assailant is sprayed following the directions as described above in the section titled, Mechanics of Firing the Defensive Spray or as additionally advised by professional training or council.

Stage#4: Evade and Escape.
Assailant has been sprayed and the inflammatory effects are activating. The assailant has been sprayed and the irritating effect of the pepper agent effect is increasingly activating. Even though the assailants attempt to cause harm has been hindered, do not underestimate assailant mobility or the potential to cause harm; they have the capability to swing arms, grab, wrestle and stumble about. The incapacitating effect is also dependent on the sobriety and pain tolerance of the individual. See the video section to view a demonstration. This demonstration used the maximum strength Pink Stinker® brand, Hot Pink 'em™ pepper defense spray with the hot pink assailant dye marker manufactured by Enhanced Defense Sprays, LLC.

Again, remember to:

• Keep a safe distance.
• Do not attempt capture.
• Escape immediately.
• Call police.

This version of the Directions is the more detailed website version referred to in both the abbreviated retail packaging insert card instructions and in the Consumer Agreement acknowledgement at the check-out procedure while making any online web store purchase. Both of these versions should be read and clearly understood before using any product. This information will inform and assist with the familiarization of the operational features and use of the defense spray canister so it can be handled, stored and used safely and responsibly. There have been hundreds of millions of pepper spray devices sold over the past thirty years and they do not cause problems when handled properly.

If you do not understand or feel competent with the use of this product after reading and studying the directions do not use the product and consult a professional or seek professional instruction; e.g. defense training courses, law enforcement agency sponsored courses, community education courses, firearm training instructors, etc. Contact your local law enforcement jurisdiction for assistance.

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