Pepper Spray…it finally happened!
Happy Camperbus about 1 month ago
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9 responses
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Outdoor Adventure Happy Camper Bus
Just before Happy Camperbus set sail, we purchased two tubes of Pepper Spray. I was joking that I might like to spray myself with it to see what it was like. Sadistic, I know.
All these months later, my sister came to Santa Fe to visit and we went on a camping trip. She was going to be sleeping by herself in a pretty isolated area where there is an unknown amount of wild animals and I offered her the spray. Before I could really get a grasp on what was going on, she was telling me she wanted to see what it was like and she poured some in her right eye. Similar to the pace in a slow-motion nightmare, I followed suit and man o’ man, was THAT a bad idea.
Immediately, I regretted it and felt like (I can’t say in what order, each was worse than the other simultaneously) my eye was being permanently damaged, my brain actually hurt, and that the pain was so unbearable I might not make it through. I didn’t have any options of course on the latter, but that’s what I kept thinking/feeling.
These photos (of me and my sister) were taken more than an hour after the self-imposed attacks.
One particularly curious thing happened, while I was screaming bloody murder and my sister was heaving in the fetal position, a man walked past our camp. Obviously, I didn’t get a look at him, but I heard him discussing with Smick how nice the moon was and what a cute dog we have. I was barley able to process this, but later I found it utterly appalling that he did not even inquire on our lack of well-being. Jeez.
The next day I became worried that my mother might crucify me for being such an irresponsible big sister. That didn’t go as bad as I thought, but when I spoke to her I felt completely idiotic…ah, that’s what mom’s are for.
Responses
How long ago did you do this? Did you flush your eyes with LOTS and LOTS of water? Have you gone to Medical help? You need to check if there has or will be permanent damage. I am an ex cop and a acitve Registered Nurse with over 25 years expeience. If you have a question like that again PLEASE ask! If not me someone on the Cotradeco site can answer your questions.There is no need to hurt yourself. I have been Maced and Pepper sprayed on the job, It Hurts!!
The percentage of Oleoresin Capsicum dictates how much and how long the damage will be. Pepper spray is nothing to mess around with. It may not kill you but you may well wish you were dead.
Bad dog.
Wow, well the question in my mind has been answered! I often wondered if pepper spray was really a good self defense item to have. You and your sister along with the description you painted have proven to me it is in fact just that. Since moving downtown I have thought I should carry some form of protection, and I think I now know what that will be!
Dave, with your experience can you offer a suggestion of what to carry? Do I need to get a hold of the SDPD to find out if it is legal to carry in the city? Any thoughts you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Happy Camperbus, please give us an update on how you are both doing!!
Stacy: If I remember right the Police pepper spary has a concentration of O.C. of about 2 percent, While Bear spray has a concentration of about 20 percent O.C. Go to your sporting goods store and buy Bear spray or buy it on line from Cabela’s. As far as I know it is legal in California. Bear spray will STOP any thing that walks,crawls,flies or slithers. It shoots about 20 feet. BUT!! If you use it outside you have to be Damn sure you know which way the wind is blowing. Buy at least two cans so you can practice with the real thing. Do not spray anyone you are not mad at!
Dave thanks. I am sorry to say we had a stabbing today literally in the block that I live in. I have to admit it kinda freaked me out. And it happened in broad daylight. I spoke to the police already and it was not gang related. Seems it was a couple of homeless that started drinking way to early. At least that is the on the street report! I am going to check with SDPD tomorrow, when speaking with a neighbor she thought there was a regulation on how many ounces you could carry in the city. I will let everyone know the outcome. Seems like really good advise to buy 2 and practice with one. I pray I never have to use it! But I would rather be prepared!
A note to all of you at Smart Corner, with speaking with the officer today are feeling of security because the police station is so close, may be a bit false!! It never hurts to be prepared!!
The SDPD is also in the process of establishing a task force just for are area! It would cover the area from San Diego High to Park and Broadway including the City Collage Trolley Stop! It would help to address the homeless in are area, as well as drug use etc…We all know this is a major issue. I encourage all of you to get involved and make a difference. My goal is to work with SDPD and the community on this. If you have any questions or would like to get involved you can contact me through the site here at cotradeco. If you send me a private note I promise I will respond and keep you updated!!
A note to the SDPD, thank you for what you do!!! I have met several of you just in passing and I want you to know that we appreciate what you do!! You are tireless in your diligence and as a group of us were talking today we really appreciate what you do!! So as a note from the Smart Corner community Thank You!!!
A note to everyone, it pays to be observant and to be prepared!!
Dave again thanks!!!
Wow. Dave, had I heard your warning earlier, I would have never, ever done such a thing! Beauty of hindsight.
We used the Bear Spray, got it a Fry’s for $5.00
Stace – I kinda held the notion ‘would this stuff really work, I mean, really’? I guarantee that not only will it harm a predator, it will render them completely disabled, unable to function at all even for quite some time and will certainly end any attack in an instant.
Practice is good…I was surprised by the range of the stream!
Good news, I had a Doctor’s appointment today for an unrelated issue, but I made sure to have her check my eye (after having to shamefully explain myself) and no damage was detected. Whew! I advised my sister strongly to do the same.
I am so glad to hear that you are a-ok! I hope your sister will have the same results!!
I held the same notion till I read your post. And as you could tell from my last post it seems as it may have come at the perfect time!!
I would have never thought of the practice, yet after reading what you and Dave have written, I know now that is seems like a must! After I contact SDPD in the a.m. I am heading to the local sporting goods store to see what I can find! I have to admit that you’re buying at Frys Surprised me! Who would have thought! I will try them 2nd if the sporting store does not pan out!
Again I am so glad there was no permanent damage!! And an really glad you had it checked. I am guessing it was easier to explain to the Dr. than it was to your Mom!!
Pepper spray at Fry’s? That’s wacky.
“I would like a new MacBook Pro and some Pepper Spray please. Does the pepper spray come in 4 gig sizes?”
Neato. I’m glad you didn’t permanently damage your eyes.
When you and Smick do stuff like this I am reminded of that game night with the dictionary. Then I thought it was a one off goofy thing but over time I’ve come to realize you just like torturing yourself. Hmmm.
Stacy: That is crazy about the stabbing. But for the excitement and advantages of the bright lights big city lifestyle, there are going to be trade-offs. :)
Every time I see these pictures it makes my eyes water!!!
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I can’t believe you did it. Your description is worse than I imagined. I can almost feel the toxic sensation of my eyeballs melting inside my head. AAHHHHH!