Physiologic effects of a new-generation conducted electrical weapon on human volunteers.
BACKGROUND
Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are used by law enforcement to restrain or repel potentially violent persons. The TASER X2 CEW is a next-generation device with new technology, including new electrical waveform and output specifications. It has not previously been studied in humans.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the human physiologic effect of a new-generation CEW.


METHODS
This was a prospective, observational human study. Volunteers received a 10-s exposure via deployed probes from an X2 CEW in the abdomen and upper thigh. Measured data included vital signs; 12-lead electrocardiograms; and blood serum biomarkers before, immediately after, and 24 h post exposure. Biomarkers measured included pH, lactate, potassium, creatine kinase (CK), and troponin-I. Real-time spirometry and echocardiography were performed before, during, and after the exposure.


RESULTS
Ten volunteers completed the study. There were no important changes in vital signs or potassium. Median increase in lactate as a consequence of the exposure was 1.2 mg/dL (range 0.6-2.8 mg/dL). Median change in pH was -0.031 (range -0.011 to -0.067). No subject had a positive troponin. Median change in CK at 24 h was 313 ng/mL (range -40 to 3418 ng/mL). There was no evidence of respiratory impairment. Baseline median minute ventilation was 14.2 L/min, increased to 21.6 L/min intra-exposure (p = 0.05), and remained elevated at 21.6 L/min post exposure (p = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
There was no evidence of dangerous physiology found in the measured parameters. The physiologic effects of the X2 CEW are similar to older-generation CEWs. We encourage further study to validate these results.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Meeker County Sheriff's Office, Litchfield, Minnesota.
Jeffrey D
JD
Ho
Department of Emergency Medicine, Lompoc Valley Medical Center, Lompoc, California; Santa Barbara Police Department, Santa Barbara, California.
Donald M
DM
Dawes
Department of Emergency Medicine, Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett, Washington.
Richard J
RJ
Chang
Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Rebecca S
RS
Nelson
Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
James R
JR
Miner
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001794:Blood Pressure; D057667:Conducted Energy Weapon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D035846:Law Enforcement / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000295:instrumentation; D013147:Spirometry; D019210:Troponin I / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D019210:Troponin I; D019344:Lactic Acid; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D011188:Potassium
TASER; conducted electrical weapon; electronic control device; human physiology