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                            Library & Multimedia
 Medical Panel Issues Interim Findings on Stun Gun Safety
NCJ Number
              224086
Journal

*NIJ Journal* Issue: 261 Dated: October 2008 Pages: 20-23
Author(s)
          John  Morgan Ph.D.
Date Published

October 2008
Length
              4 pages
Annotation
              This paper presents the interim findings and recommendations of a medical panel convened under the sponsorship of the U.S. Justice Department's National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to address issues regarding the safety and effectiveness of conducted-energy devices (CEDs), also known as stun guns or the trade name Taser.
Abstract
              Based on findings from an independent research program sponsored by NIJ, the medical panel concluded in its interim report that CEDs do not directly cause death in cases of excited delirium, although preliminary data from physiological studies suggest that CEDs may increase the risk of sudden death in cases of excited delirium. The medical panel determined that people in excited delirium are at high risk of death even if they do not encounter a police officer or have a CED or other weapons used against them. These individuals must be calmed and their body temperature reduced as soon as possible in order to avoid sudden death. The panel noted, however, that at the present time, many questions about the safety of CEDs cannot be answered based on current research, especially regarding at-risk individuals. Still, the panel determined that there is no conclusive medical evidence to indicate a high risk of serious injury or death from the direct effects of CED exposure. Therefore, it advises that law enforcement agencies need not refrain from using CEDs provided the devices are used in accordance with accepted national guidelines. The panel's interim recommendations focus on postevent medical care and investigation of in-custody deaths. The panel reviewed the full range of current scientific research and a number of CED-associated deaths; and it held substantive discussions with industry, academia, and community advocates. 11 notes
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2005-IJ-CX-K050
                                2005-IJ-CX-K049


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Report (Study/Research)


  
  
        
  Award
        Effectiveness Analysis of Less lethal Technologies: TASER vs STINGER
                                An Analysis of Human Injuries and TASER Deployment: a Regional Study to determine the Effect of Less-Lethal Weapons in the De-escalations of Force
    
  
  
Date Published: October 1, 2008
    
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