What are taser guns?

Tasers are hand held devices that fire two barbs at an individual.  The barbs are intended to attach to the skin or clothing on the torso and/or lower limb. The barbs are attached to the taser handset by thin wires. A sequence of very short duration high voltage current (50,000 volts) passes through the wires connecting the handset to the barbs.  The current flows into the body and results in a loss of muscular control and in pain.

Effects of the taser

You may experience the following:

• Dazed for several minutes
• Muscle twitches
• Loss of memory of the event
• Unsteadiness and a spinning sensation
• Temporary tingling
• Weaknesses in the limbs
• Aches and pains and tissue swelling

All of the above are normal effects of the taser and if any of these effects are still present a day later, then we would advise to seek medical attention.

Furthermore, you may have two small marks like bee stings on your skin. They are small puncture wounds from the needles used to inject the electricity directly into the skin. There may also be small burns similar to sunburn around the marks. These should return to normal within a few days and again if they do not, then medical attention is advisable.

Risks associated with the use of a taser

The risk of life threatening injuries and other serious injuries is fortunately low.   The probability of impact of a barb on the surface of the eye is also considered to be low.   The impact of barbs on the head has occurred operationally.

Other Effects:

Scratches, minor lacerations, swellings and areas of redness on the skin are most common.   Minor secondary trauma from the penetration of the skin by the barbs will occur.  Some of the barb penetration will exhibit small circular burns, areas of skin where the current has entered the body from the barbs retained in clothing may also exhibit burns. These burns are likely to resolve within a few days, without complications.