What to Do When You Get Pepper Sprayed: Survival Guide
21st Jul 2025
Getting hit with pepper spray hurts a lot and is really strong. The scorching feeling can be too much to take, especially in the cheeks and eyes. Knowing what to do when you get pepper sprayed can help you feel better faster, ease the discomfort, and stop more damage.
It's crucial to keep calm and know what to do in an emergency. This article offers you all you need to know if you accidentally expose yourself or are in danger. Allow FightSense to help you stay safe and ready.
Keynotes
- Stay cool and focused, and act quickly to limit the harm.
- You should wash your face and eyes with cold water for at least 15 minutes.
- Don't rub the region that was sprayed; instead, blink and blink again.
- Treat clothes and other things like they are biohazards that are dirty.
- Getting your emotions under control is an important component of recovery.
Immediate Response: When You’re Getting Pepper Sprayed
When you're getting pepper sprayed, every second counts.
Here’s what to do when you get pepper sprayed:
- Don't touch your face; it will spread the spray.
- To protect your face, move away quickly or put your arm over it.
- Take slow, deep breaths through your nose to clear your throat.
- Don't forget to keep your eyes open and blink quickly. Tears will help get rid of the irritation.
- Go to a spot with good air flow; the fresh air will help you feel better.
- Take off your soiled clothes as quickly as you can and don't let them touch your clean garments.
This quick move helps you deal with what happens if you are pepper sprayed and makes the symptoms less severe.
Understanding What Happens If You Get Pepper Sprayed
Knowing what happens if you get pepper sprayed helps you anticipate and respond:
- Eyes: A sharp burning feeling, heat, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision in the eyes for a brief time.
- Skin: Highly obvious burning and redness, especially in areas that sweat a lot, such the thighs and underarms.
- Respiratory: Irritation in throat, noisy cough, and maybe trouble breathing.
- Nasal & Mouth: Runny nose, increased saliva, and trouble breathing.
- Mental: It's natural to have panic episodes, feel lost, and worry a lot. You can handle them.
If you know what will happen if you get pepper sprayed, you can get ready for what will happen next.
Precise Steps for What to Do When You Get Pepper Sprayed
Follow this unique, five-step routine:
1. Stay Conscious
Panic makes things worse. When you're getting pepper sprayed, take a deep breath and pay attention.
2 Open Your Eyes and Blink Fast
Tears are your first line of defence, so remember to blink a lot. They will also help you figure out what to do if pepper spray gets in your eye.
3. Flush With Cold, Running Water
Whether you're inside or outside, wash your face, eyes, and skin for at least 15 minutes.
4. Apply Soothing Compresses on Skin
Put on a cold pack consisting of water or saline that has been soaked. Don't put on creams until you're done washing.
5. Clean Up Carefully
After you cleanse your face, take a shower and use mild soap to wash off any extra water. Put on gloves when you handle clothes and gear, and wash them separately.
These steps outline exactly what to do when you get pepper sprayed, giving you a clear action plan.
Special Care: What to Do When You Get Pepper Sprayed in Your Eye
For targeted eye relief when what to do if pepper spray gets in your eye becomes critical:
- If you can't find clean water, use bottled sterile liquid or eye wash instead of tap water.
- While you wash, keep blinking.
- Keep your eyes apart to clear the corners.
- Don't massage your eyes; it will just make them feel worse.
- For 15 minutes, splash water on your face, then gently pat it dry with a clean towel.
- You should consult a doctor if the discomfort or vision problems don't go away after 45 minutes.
These eye-centered tips are essential pieces of what to do when you get pepper sprayed.
Managing Full Body Contact
When what happens if you get pepper sprayed affects your clothes and limbs:
- If your clothing are dirty, take them off like they are deadly. Wear gloves or turn them inside out.
- Take the clothing apart and wash them in cold water with a powerful soap.
- Wash any skin that is showing with gentle soap and water.
- Avoid hot water and hard scrubbing since they make the discomfort stay longer and make it easier for the body to absorb.
- While your skin heals, stay cool, get some sleep, and stay out of the sun.
Fightsense says that you should wash your full body before using pepper spray.
Psychological Recovery After Exposure
Experiencing getting pepper sprayed can be traumatic.
Recovery includes:
- Resting in a calm, cool environment.
- Breathe in for 4 seconds and out for 6 seconds.
- You can forget about things by listening to light music or talking to someone.
- Writing out your feelings will help you get over the mental shock.
- You can get your confidence back by progressively getting back to your normal habits.
Knowing what to do when you get pepper sprayed includes mental care not just physical relief.
Safety Measures and Fightsense’s Recommendations
As a trusted brand, Fightsense urges:
- Keep blister packs of saline or eyewash on hand.
- Teach the people in your close group how to react when someone is pepper-sprayed.
- Always check the expiration dates on the spray cans and make sure they operate.
- Spray should be kept straight, away from heat, and not locked but safe.
- Knowing what to do when you are pepper sprayed is just as vital as having the gear itself.
Empowerment starts with education knowing what to do when you get pepper sprayed is just as important as the tool itself.
Conclusion
Every individual should know what to do when you get pepper sprayed, this guide combines immediate physical care and emotional resilience. With Fightsense, you may wash your gear, relax down, and take care of your skin and eyes.
It gives you everything you need to get better fast. With this information, pepper spray is no longer too much to bear. Stay safe, get ready, and be strong.
Disclaimer
This blog offers informational guidance only and does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, escalate, or include breathing issues, please seek immediate medical attention. Fightsense is not responsible for any outcomes from incorrect handling.
FAQs
- How long will the pain last after pepper spray exposure?
Most symptoms fade within 30–90 minutes; some mild redness can remain longer. - Can moisture calm the burning faster?
Yes, cool water, saline, or cucumber packs reduce heat. Avoid milk or oils on skin. - Is rinsing with salt water helpful?
A mild saline rinse is beneficial but high-concentration saltwater may irritate more. - Should you drive after being sprayed?
No vision and breathing impairment can make driving unsafe. Wait until fully recovered. - What should you do if symptoms persist?
See a medical professional if there's ongoing pain, vision impairment, or breathing difficulty after 90 minutes.