Management of Exposure to Riot Control Agents

Riot control agents sometimes called primary chemosensory irritant chemicals (PCSI) such as 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS) gas are used widely around the world by police forces. Riot control agents have an immediate and disabling effect due to their actions on the eyes and upper respiratory system. However, the safety 

Treatment of mild exposure to CS gas is usually not necessary apart from reassurance. If there has been a severe exposure (e.g. in a patient who was close to the canister when discharged), the following actions should be taken  

Contamination of the eyes by hquid agent should be removed by irrigating immediately with normal saline. Pain should be treated with anaesthetic eye drops. Blepharitis may occur and should be treated with tetracaine ointment. An ophthalmological opinion should be sought for serious cases. 

The skin should be decontaminated with soap and water. Any local erythema will resolve within hours. Occasionally, there may be exposure to solid CS which can cause vesication. This should be treated using conventional bum protocols. 

Upper respiratory symptoms and cough usually resolve rapidly following exposure. Bronchitis may occur in some cases and should be treated conventionally. 

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