Tasers, also known as conducted energy weapons (CEWs), are devices designed to temporarily incapacitate individuals through an electrical discharge. This article explores how tasers affect the body, factors influencing injury risk, and the range of potential health consequences, including whether permanent damage can occur. It also identifies specific populations who may face higher risks from taser exposure.
How Tasers Affect the Body
Tasers operate by delivering a high-voltage, low-current electrical impulse. This current interferes with the body’s natural nerve signals, leading to involuntary muscle contractions. The primary effect is neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI), which temporarily overrides the central nervous system’s control over voluntary muscles, leading to immediate immobilization.
While the voltage can be as high as 50,000 volts, the current delivered is very low, typically in the range of milliamps. This low amperage is a design feature aimed at minimizing the risk of severe tissue damage or electrocution, which is primarily dependent on current rather than voltage. The temporary paralysis ceases once the electrical cycle ends, allowing for rapid recovery in most cases.
Factors Influencing Injury Risk
Several variables can influence the likelihood and severity of injuries following taser deployment. The duration of the electrical discharge plays a role, with longer exposures leading to more intense discomfort and muscle fatigue. The number of times a taser is deployed can also increase the overall risk of adverse effects.
The specific area of the body targeted by the taser probes is another important factor. Deployments to sensitive areas like the head or neck may carry different risks. Furthermore, the environment significantly affects potential for injury. Uncontrolled falls from sudden incapacitation can lead to secondary traumatic injuries, particularly if the individual falls onto hard surfaces or from a height.
Potential Health Consequences
Taser exposure can result in various health consequences, ranging from temporary discomfort to potentially permanent damage. Direct electrical effects include localized skin burns at the probe sites, which are usually superficial. The small puncture wounds from the taser barbs can also become irritated or infected.
Traumatic injuries from uncontrolled falls are a significant concern and can lead to lasting harm. These can include fractures, as well as sprains and soft tissue damage. Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI), are possible outcomes of such falls and can result in permanent neurological deficits.
Cardiac effects, while rare, have been associated with taser electrical shocks, such as ventricular fibrillation, particularly if the probes are in close proximity to the heart or in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. If not immediately treated, severe cardiac events can lead to a lack of oxygen to the brain, potentially causing permanent brain damage or death.
Muscle and metabolic effects can also occur. Rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving muscle tissue breakdown, has been reported following taser exposure. In severe cases, this can lead to kidney strain and, if left untreated, has the potential for long-term kidney issues or even permanent kidney failure.
Neurological effects are generally temporary, such as numbness, tingling, or temporary cognitive impairment. While rare instances of nerve damage have been reported, these are typically not permanent. An acute stress response is also a common psychological impact.
Individuals at Higher Risk
Certain individuals face a heightened risk of more severe or permanent damage from taser exposure due to underlying medical conditions or physiological states. People with known or undiagnosed heart conditions, such as long QT syndrome or those with pacemakers, are particularly vulnerable to adverse cardiac events. While tasers are designed to not interfere with pacemakers, the risk exists for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol may also be at increased risk, as these substances can exacerbate cardiac or metabolic effects. Elderly or frail individuals, as well as pregnant individuals, represent populations where taser use may lead to more significant complications. These groups may have reduced physiological reserves or unique vulnerabilities that heighten their susceptibility to injury.