I recall that earlier this year you mentioned in a
[log in to unmask] message a case where a patient
of yours had been exposed to CS spay and had had an adverse reaction to
either the spray or its propellant.
As well as being an ergonomist involved, from time to time in the
design of emergency medical equipment, I am also a Police Lay
Visitor. (We turn up, without warning, at Police Stations and report
on the conditions and welfare of the detainees we find. The scheme
was set up after the Brixton riots when allegations were made of ill
treatment in the cells after arrest.)
I was asked to write an article concerning the impact of the Health and Safety
legislation upon the Police - who are only now loosing their "crown" immunity.
I suggested that one change would be an increasing use of CS Spray as
this permitted control of a situation while still some metres distant
from it - from the point of view of the Police Officer, this would be
better than getting closer and increasing the risk of injury. I
also mentioned that CS Spray had been associated/implicated with
health problems/? deaths.
The article appeared in the "Visiting Times" a generally bland magazine
for Lay Visitors and I received a phone call on behalf of
Northumbria's Chief Constable who is asking for a withdrawal on the
ground that CS Spray is "safe". Furthermore I am given to understand
that our spray is identical to that used, for the last twenty years,
by the French Police and that they have had no problems.
Please, am I correct that you did report/raise concerns about the CS spray?
Are you able to direct me to any published cases that report health
issues associated with CS Spray and/or the French medical
experiences?
I have also heard it mentioned that one of the risks with CS Spray is
with reactions triggered in people who's psychiatric condition is drug
controlled but who may be cared for in the community. However, the
Doctor concerned said that she had no personal experience with the
combination and was unable to direct me to the source of the remark.
You may, if you wish, forward this email to others who might be able
to help with these questions.
Mic L. Porter, Senior Lecturer/Consulting Ergonomist
University of Northumbria at Newcastle
Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 8ST (United Kingdom)
(+44)/(0)191 227 3155 (voice) (+44)/(0)191 227 4655 (fax)
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