Reviewed and approved by the AAEM Board of Directors. (10/7/2019)
Recommendations:
- The routine performance of EKGs, prolonged ED observation or hospitalization for ongoing cardiac monitoring is not indicated after CEW exposure in an otherwise asymptomatic awake and alert patient with a short duration (< 15 second) of CEW exposure.
- The routine performance of laboratory studies, prolonged ED observation or hospitalization for ongoing laboratory monitoring is not indicated after a short duration of CEW exposure (<15 seconds) in an otherwise asymptomatic awake and alert patient.
- For patients who have undergone drive stun or touch stun CEW exposure, medical screening should focus on local skin effects at the exposure site, which may include local skin irritation or minor contact burns.
- For patients who have undergone probe mode CEW exposure, medical screening should focus on probe penetration sites, potential injuries due to muscle contractions, and potential trauma due to falls.
Introduction:
Use of Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW) such as the TASER includes delivery of a series of brief electrical pulses, which result in painful muscular contractions. The pulses may be delivered via three possible mechanisms. The delivery may be via a pair of metal probes projected from the device, commonly referred to as “probe mode”; by direct contact with the front of the device, commonly referred to as “drive stun” or “touch stun” mode; or a combination in which a probe may be in place and the device is placed in contact with the individual increasing the spread of the current.