TASER Electronic Control Devices Can Cause Cardiac Arrest in Humans

The TASERed finger: A new entity. Case report and review of literature

“…The TASER 1 works either remotely in ''projectile'' mode or in ''drive stun'' mode upon direct contact with the subject. Its use has generated some controversy as it is the source of various complications, including death by potentially non-reversible cardiac arrest with atrial or ventricular fibrillation [2]. Other than its tragic lethal consequences, the TASER 1 can also cause various lesions, with sequelae that are not insignificant and can be potentially serious.…”

Tasers

“…10 More recently, a study of eight cases concluded that Tasers had caused ventricular fibrillation. 11 Although ventricular fibrillation has never been produced in tests, volunteers have not included people with heart disease or alcohol or drug problems or the high heart rates triggered by a real confrontation.…”

Letter by Sheridan Regarding Articles, “TASER Electronic Control Devices Can Cause Cardiac Arrest in Humans” and “TASER Electronic Control Devices and Cardiac Arrests: Coincidental or Causal?”

“…Circulation presents a provocative juxtaposition of the polarized opinions of Zipes 1 and Kroll et al 2 on whether the TASER electronic control device (ECD) can induce ventricular fibrillation by an action of precordially administered TASER discharge. The debate is focused on the 8 cases studied by Zipes.…”