TASER

Aka: TASER, TASER Injury, Conducted Energy Weapon, Conducted Electrical Weapon, Conducted Energy Weapon Injury, Electrical Discharge Weapon

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II. Definitions

  1. Conducted Energy Weapon (e.g. TASER)
    1. Device delivers electrical energy to a target
    2. Intended to subdue target

III. Types

  1. Ranged Devices (fired probes embed in target)
    1. Stun gun
    2. TASER
  2. Electrical Batons (electrical shock delivered from baton shaft)
    1. Shock baton or stun baton
    2. Cattle prod

IV. Mechanism: Ranged Devices

  1. Paired electrical probes are fired from device (propelled by pressurized gas)
    1. Effective target range typically 6 to 11 meters (19 to 36 feet)
  2. Electrical probes embed in targets skin, embedded via fishhook-like barbs
    1. Embedded pair of barbed probes complete an electrical circuit
      1. Newer devices may deliver 2 pairs of probes
      2. Probes must embed at least 9 inches apart for maximal effect
    2. Delivers rapidly cycling, electrical alternating current pulses
      1. Duration 5 seconds (but may be extended by holding down the trigger)
      2. Electrical pulses incapacitate the target, inflicting significant pain and loss of motor control

V. Findings: Injuries Related to Conducted Energy Weapons

  1. Small Electrical Burns at probe sites
  2. Serious injury is uncommon (<3%)
    1. Majority of patients require no monitoring/observation, telemetry or laboratory testing
    2. Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g. Atrial Fibrillation, Ventricular Tachycardia, Asystole) are rare
    3. Rhabdomyolysis is unlikely to occur
      1. Device studies have shown no increase in Creatine Kinase, C-Reactive Protein or myoglobin
    4. Ocular injury
      1. Well documented case reports
      2. Among the more serious complications (including risk of blindness)
    5. Penetrating Injuries
      1. Close range device use (<2 to 4 meters, <6 to 13 feet) are higher risk for deep, penetrating wounds
      2. Skull penetration and Fractures have been documented with close range use

VI. Management

  1. No monitoring or lab testing needed in most cases
  2. Wound management
  3. Probe Removal
    1. Probes embedded in sensitive regions (e.g. eyes, hands, genitals) may require emergency specialty management
    2. Old Model Probe removal
      1. Hold skin taut
      2. Gently pull embedded probe upward at 90 degree angle
    3. New Model Probe removal
      1. Specialized probe removal devices are needed

VII. References

  1. Vedula and Jasani (2025) Crit Dec Emerg Med 39(5): 4-14
  2. Baliatsas (2021) JAMA Netw Open 4(2):e2037209 +PMID: 33576818 [PubMed]
  3. Vilke (2019) J Emerg Med 57(5):740-6 +PMID: 31500994 [PubMed]

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