TASER® conducted electrical weapons: misconceptions in the scientific/medical and other literature

Abstract

TASER(®) conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) have become an important law-enforcement tool. Controversial questions are often raised during discussion of some incidents in which the devices have been used. The main purpose of this paper is to point out some misconceptions about CEWs that have been published in the scientific/medical and other literature. This is a narrative review, using a multidisciplinary approach of analyzing reports from scientific/medical and other literature sources. In previous reports, durations of incapacitating effects and possible associations of CEWs with deaths-in-custody have often been overstated or exaggerated. Comparisons of CEW effects with "electrocution" are misleading. Clarification of these misconceptions may be important during policymaker decisions, practitioner operations, expert witness testimonies, and court proceedings. Despite misconceptions in the literature, CEWs can still be a valuable tool for law enforcement activities. Scientists, medical professionals, legal advisors, and investigators of police tactics should be aware of these misconceptions.

Investigating Clinical and Cost Burdens of Law Enforcement–Related K9 Injuries: The Impact of “the Bite” on a Community Hospital

“…Data from both LE and medical literature reveal that medical complications or significant injuries resulting from the use of TASERs are rare, and injury rates for both suspects and officers are reportedly lower than those for most other methods of apprehension (e.g., K9s, darts, incapacitant spray, and batons). 2,5,8 Because of the rarity of lethal events from TASERs, diagnostic studies or hospital admission of asymptomatic patients is likely unnecessary. 2,[10][11][12] In this study, nearly 80 per cent of the 80 TASER patients seen at our community hospital required no medical procedures.…”

“…2,5,8 Because of the rarity of lethal events from TASERs, diagnostic studies or hospital admission of asymptomatic patients is likely unnecessary. 2,[10][11][12] In this study, nearly 80 per cent of the 80 TASER patients seen at our community hospital required no medical procedures. There was one lethal event in the TASER group, which was determined to be primarily driven by an overdose of multiple street drugs and not a cardiac event precipitated by the TASER.…”

“…Therefore, whereas approximately 70 per cent of patients could have received treatment from an ED, more than 30 per cent of the patients subdued by a K9 required a higher level of care that included specialized surgical services that would only be available at a tertiary care facility. In addition, of the four pediatric patients subdued by a K9, two had superficial grade I injuries, whereas two had more severe injuries (one To the head or neck >4 cm 2 With involvement of face $25% and <50% IV Any soft tissue or hand injury that involves motor nerve, genitalia, or vascular injury Trauma, plastic (motor nerve injury), or vascular (vascular injury) surgeon, and/or urology (genitourinary injury) Face >50% involvement grade II and one grade III) that required treatment by pediatric specialty surgeons.…”

“…These include the Thomas A Swift Electrical Rifle (TASER), which is used to minimize injuries and mortality for both the LEO and suspect during apprehension. [2][3][4][5] However, once all nonviolent de-escalation tactics are exhausted, the situation may warrant the immediate use of semilethal or lethal force to incapacitate a suspected criminal when an officer or civilian's life is in danger. Use of force decision-making is one of the most critical and challenging tasks for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and LEOs, and violent encounters can have serious medical consequences for both the officer and suspect.…”

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

“…These injuries are the result of the direct impact or the fall caused by pain and temporary paralysis brought on by the electric shock. Direct injuries or fall-related injuries have been reported such as contusions, deep and superficial wounds, burns [3], eye injuries [4], fractures [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12], head injuries [13], strokes [14] and transient changes in mental capacity [3,15,16]. Direct bone injuries are rare because the electrodes are quickly stopped by superficial skin tissues; they are mainly the indirect consequence of transient muscle paralysis and the resulting fall.…”