@article{ref1,
title="Physiologic effects of a new-generation conducted electrical weapon on human volunteers",
journal="Journal of emergency medicine",
year="2014",
author="Ho, Jeffrey D. and Dawes, Donald M. and Chang, Richard J. and Nelson, Rebecca S. and Miner, James R.",
volume="46",
number="3",
pages="428-435",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are used by law enforcement to restrain or repel potentially violent persons. The TASER X2 CEW is a next-generation device with new technology, including new electrical waveform and output specifications. It has not previously been studied in humans.   OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the human physiologic effect of a new-generation CEW.   METHODS: This was a prospective, observational human study. Volunteers received a 10-s exposure via deployed probes from an X2 CEW in the abdomen and upper thigh. Measured data included vital signs; 12-lead electrocardiograms; and blood serum biomarkers before, immediately after, and 24 h post exposure. Biomarkers measured included pH, lactate, potassium, creatine kinase (CK), and troponin-I. Real-time spirometry and echocardiography were performed before, during, and after the exposure.   RESULTS: Ten volunteers completed the study. There were no important changes in vital signs or potassium. Median increase in lactate as a consequence of the exposure was 1.2 mg/dL (range 0.6-2.8 mg/dL). Median change in pH was -0.031 (range -0.011 to -0.067). No subject had a positive troponin. Median change in CK at 24 h was 313 ng/mL (range -40 to 3418 ng/mL). There was no evidence of respiratory impairment. Baseline median minute ventilation was 14.2 L/min, increased to 21.6 L/min intra-exposure (p = 0.05), and remained elevated at 21.6 L/min post exposure (p = 0.01).   CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of dangerous physiology found in the measured parameters. The physiologic effects of the X2 CEW are similar to older-generation CEWs. We encourage further study to validate these results.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0736-4679",
doi="10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.08.069",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.08.069"
}