@article{ref1,
title="Conducted electrical weapon fire risk in the presence of supplemental oxygen",
journal="Journal of Special Operations Medicine",
year="2024",
author="Driver, Brian and Dawes, Donald M. and Ho, Jeffrey",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are nonlethal weapons used in tactical environments. Tactical EMS (TEMS) operators provide patient care in environments where CEWs are present. CEWs may produce a spark that can be a source of ignition. When supplemental oxygen is in use by a TEMS operator, the flammability risk from the CEW is unknown. <br><br>METHODS: We measured oxygen levels over 20 minutes in an enclosed space with a supplemental oxygen source maximally flowing. Measurements were taken at various distances from the oxygen source to establish baseline concentrations. These concentrations were replicated within a plexiglass box where a CEW was activated to create a sparking arc between probes embedded in a fresh swine shoulder (with skin intact). Various flammable materials, typically found in a patient care setting were used as potential fuel sources. <br><br>RESULTS: The highest oxygen levels were achieved directly at the source. At 15cm from the source, the maximum oxygen concentration was 31.5%. Within the box, ignition was only achieved at oxygen concentrations greater than 45% and only when human hair was present as fuel. No ignition was achieved at oxygen levels below this regardless of the tested fuel present. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Ignition from a CEW is possible at supplemental oxygen levels greater than 45% when human hair is present. In an enclosed space, oxygen concentration levels of 45% are only present within 15cm of a flush rate oxygen source. The likelihood of CEW-caused ignition in such settings with supplemental oxygen in use is extremely low.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1553-9768",
doi="10.55460/BFZE-IKTR",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.55460/BFZE-IKTR"
}