Abstract: The invention relates to a self-defence module comprising a housing containing a chamber that holds a free-flowing active medium and comprising a compressed gas source for spontaneously dispensing the active medium from the chamber. In order to be able to miniaturise the self-defence module, the compressed gas source is configured from a pyrotechnic gas generator and an ignition unit that interacts with the generator. According to the application, the ignition unit can be triggered manually or by a sensor. The invention also relates to the use of a self-defence module of this type for the protection of persons, buildings, means of transport or valuables.