Citation

Chand M, Nash GF. Br. J. Hosp. Med. (MA Health) 2009; 70(6): 314-315.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, M A Healthcare)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19516205

Abstract

The use of TASER or stun guns has become increasingly popular among police agencies. They are proposed as an alternative non-lethal incapacitating device which can be used against aggressive or potentially violent individuals. It has been suggested that they produce no long-term medical problems. Such devices have been available to the police in the USA since the early 1980s, but have become more prevalent in the UK within the last few years. The police federation of the UK have stated that they want to further increase TASER availability to non-firearms officers in the field. If, as expected, the use of electrical guns becomes more common, there will no doubt be an increase in the number of victims presenting to the emergency department. Whether this is as a result of injuries secondary to being 'shot' or for removal of the electrical darts, medical practitioners will need to recognize the consequences, both short and long term, of such devices.

Language: en