What should you avoid doing when rinsing a suspect's eyes after OC exposure?

When rinsing a suspect's eyes after exposure to oleoresin capsicum (OC), which is a common component in pepper spray, the approach must be careful to prevent further irritation or injury. Rubbing the eyes can exacerbate the discomfort caused by OC exposure as it may spread the irritant around the surface of the eye, increasing the pain and potentially leading to additional injury to the cornea or conjunctiva.

Instead, rinsing with water should focus on gently flushing the irritants out without causing additional trauma. Using a steady stream of water allows for removal of the irritant while minimizing additional friction or pressure that could worsen the victim's experience. Thus, the emphasis is on a careful and gentle method to ensure the safety and comfort of the individual being assisted.