A panic exit device

A panic exit device is of a push pad type having a translating action rod (38) which is biased in a latch-extended position. An abutment (44) is slidably mounted to the action rod to receive there against the extending plunger (66) of a shock absorber (64) which is removably coupled to an open guide base (32). The base is mounted on a base plate (34) to support action rod operating bellcranks (36), and to support the action rod therein also. A shock absorber holder (54) is clasped to the guide base, and a cylinder (62) of the shock absorber, in which a viscous fluid is confined, is engaged by the holder to direct the plunger (66) toward the abutment. In the depicted embodiment, the plunger resists retraction, to decelerate and damp the return of the push pad and action rod to their at-rest positions and, consequently, to suppress the operating noise of the panic exit device.