TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2024//
TI  - Conducted electrical weapon fire risk in the presence of supplemental oxygen
JO  - Journal of Special Operations Medicine
A1  - Driver, Brian
A1  - Dawes, Donald M.
A1  - Ho, Jeffrey
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1553-9768
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.55460/BFZE-IKTR
ID  - ref1
ER  -