ABSTRACT
A person struck by a taser gun experiences stimulation of his sensory and motor nerves, resulting in strong involuntary muscle contractions. This may lead to physiological changes similar to a moderate intensity exercise. The mechanism of action of Taser gun is Electro-Muscular Disruption (EMD) technology. Though Tasers are considerably safe, some incidents of injury and deaths have been reported. The primary cause of such deaths is found to be influenced by some underlying pathology or some external factor, rather than Taser itself. Recent introduction Taser gun as weapon in Indian police has raised various medico legal, social and ethical issues regarding the safety of using taser guns. In this article we have reviewed all the medical, Legal, Ethical and Social aspects of introduction of taser gun in India as weapon. It has been concluded that Taser is a proportionate, low risk weapon can be used to resolving incidents where the public or officers face severe violence or the threat of such violence which cannot safely be dealt with by other means.
Subject(s)
Electric Stimulation/instrumentation , Electroshock/complications , Electroshock/etiology , Electroshock/legislation & jurisprudence , Electroshock/methods , Humans , India , Nervous System Physiological Phenomena , Neuromuscular Junction/injuries , Police/legislation & jurisprudence , Sympathetic Nervous System/physiology , WeaponsABSTRACT
The TASER(R) gun has been used as an alternative one instead of lethal weapons, but death following Taser gun use has been reported. In Korea, the case of eye injury by Taser gun was reported, but the case of Taser gun-related death has not been known. Recently we experienced a case of lethal stab injury after the use of Taser gun. On the basis of this case and current available articles, we need to be aware of the potential injury patterns in cases of death or injury associated with Taser gun.
Subject(s)
Eye Injuries , Korea , WeaponsABSTRACT
Taser guns are considered less lethal weapon than pistols. However, several cases and animal experiments reported injuries associated with Taser guns. This report describes the case of a patient who suffered a penetrating eye injury after being shot by a Taser gun. It is important for the emergency physician to understand potential injuries that can be caused by Taser guns.