What is the recommended approach to fatigue and tunnel vision during a confrontation with OC spray?

• A. Continue deployment to prove resilience.
• B. Use controlled deployment, maintain awareness, and seek safety/assistance as needed.
• C. Stop and retreat immediately.
• D. Focus only on the subject.

Answer: (B)

When fatigued and with tunnel vision, the focus is on creating a safe path to disengage while staying capable of responding. The recommended approach is to deploy OC spray in a controlled manner, stay aware of your surroundings, and seek safety or assistance as needed.

Controlled deployment matters because spraying should be measured and purposeful, not impulsive. A controlled spray minimizes unnecessary exposure to you and bystanders and helps avoid getting overwhelmed by the spray itself. It also times your action to give you a clear window to move away and put distance between you and the threat.

Maintaining awareness is essential because OC spray can blunt your perception and slow your reaction. Even when vision narrows, you should continue scanning for exits, obstacles, and potential threats, and monitor wind direction to prevent re-exposure. A steady, peripheral scan helps you identify a safe path rather than fixating on the immediate subject.

Seeking safety or assistance as needed ties it together. If you can create distance and reach a safer location, do so and contact help if required. If you need backup, call for it; if you must decontaminate, move to a sheltered area and rinse eyes and skin as soon as it’s practical. The goal is to regain control of the situation while protecting yourself from ongoing exposure.