TASER International Suggests TASERing People Lying Face-Down to Reduce Injury
It has been reported that Taser International, the company from which the UK is to purchase its TASERs for use by all front line response police, has changed its guidance for TASER usage during training sessions and is now recommending individuals are lying face-down on the floor before they are electrocuted with the weapon. (1,2)
TASER International’s “Instructor User Warnings” document (3) already, before this addition stated:
Permanent Vision Loss. If a TASER probe strikes or becomes embedded in, or in close proximity to, an eye, it could result in serious injury including permanent loss of vision.
Laser Beam Eye Damage. The TASER device incorporates a laser aiming aid. Avoid direct eye exposure because laser light can cause eye damage. Avoid intentionally aiming at the eye(s) of a person or animal without justification.
Penetration Injury. TASER probes have small dart points which may cause penetration injury to blood vessels, arteries, internal organs (including lung [pneumothorax]), bone, and nerves. The probe and/or the dart point (which may detach) could puncture or become embedded into a bone or organ, which may require immediate medical attention, surgical removal, and/or may result in scarring, infection, and/or other serious injury.
Seizure. Repetitive stimuli such as flashing lights or electrical stimuli can induce seizures in some individuals. This risk may be heightened if electrical stimuli or current passes through the head region.
Muscle Contraction-Related Injury. The TASER device can cause strong muscle contractions that may result in physical exertion or athletic/sportstype injuries. In certain instances this may be serious for some people, such as those with pre-existing conditions, special susceptibilities, or in unusual circumstances. This may also occur in instances where a person has an unusual and/or unanticipated response to the TASER device deployment and/or discharge.
Strain Injury. TASER device-induced strong muscle contractions may cause strain-type injuries. It is possible that these direct and/or indirect injury types may include, but are not limited to, injuries such as hernias, ruptures, dislocations, tears, or other injuries to soft tissue, organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints. Fractures (including compression fractures) to bones, including vertebrae, may occur. These injuries may be more likely to occur in people with pre-existing injuries or conditions such as pregnancy, osteopenia, osteoporosis, spinal injuries, diverticulitis, or in persons having previous muscle, disc, ligament, joint, bone, or tendon damage.
Scarring. Use of a TASER device, especially in drive-stun mode, or by other means where an electrical arc to the skin is generated, can cause punctures, marks, friction abrasions, and/or scarring that may be permanent depending on area(s) and method(s) of application(s), individual susceptibilities, or circumstances surrounding TASER device use and exposure.
Response to Device Exposure. The TASER device can cause temporary discomfort, pain, stress, and/or panic, which may be injurious to some
people. Anticipation of TASER device exposure(s) can cause stress, trepidation, panic, and/or fear, which may be injurious to some people. Neurocardiogenic Response. Some individuals may experience an exaggerated response to a device exposure, or threatened exposure, which may result in a person fainting and possible secondary injury.
As well as the above the warnings to those having TASER demonstrated on them state:
… it is important to remember that the use-of-force and physical incapacitation,
by their very nature, involve risk that someone will get hurt or may even die from factors that include, but are not limited to: physical resistance, exertion, individual susceptibilities, and/or unforeseen circumstances.
It appears that at the same time as the UK Police are broadening their deployment of TASER, the company producing the weapons is becoming more wary about their potential to cause serious injury.
1. Cops raise Taser safety claims - Las Vegas Sun
2. Surprise: Cops Who Get Tasered Really Don’t Like It - Alternet
3. Instructor and User Warnings, Risks, Liability Release and Covenant Not to Sue - Taser International
