HOW CAN THE TASER® DEVICE BE SO EFFECTIVE YET NON-INJURIOUS?
The TASER® device does not depend upon impact or body penetration to achieve its effect. Its pulsating electrical output interferes with communication between the brain and the muscular system, resulting in loss of control. However, the TASER® device is non-destructive to nerves, muscles and other body elements. It simply affects them in their natural mode. More importantly, no court of law has ever ruled that a death has ever been directly attributed to the TASER® device.
WHAT HAS TESTING REVEALED REGARDING THE TASER® DEVICE?
Anesthesiologist and specialist in medical electronics, Dr. Frank Summers, MD of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Orange, California, directed tests of volunteers at St. Joseph’s in 1971 and 1974. Dr. Summers stated, "...We undertook this [volunteer test] in the operating rooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital. We had an assembly of cardiovascular surgeons, cardiologists... we had a real [TASER]. We tested extensively and made movies. The tests were impressive. We monitored all parameters of physiology, including electrocardiographs. The tests did not produce any lethal effects and we found that the background work that had been done did indeed pan out in practice."
DOES THE TASER® DEVICE AFFECT THE HEART OR A CARDIAC PACEMAKER?
The TASER’s output is well below the level established as "safe" by the federal government in approving such devices as the electrified cattle fence. In a medical study of electronic stun guns, Dr. Robert Stratbucker of the University of Nebraska Medical Center confirmed that the T-Wave does not interrupt the heartbeat or damage a pacemaker. Any modern pacemaker is designed to withstand electrical defibrillator pulses that are hundreds of times stronger than the TASER® device's output. The TASER® device current of 0.3 joules is well below the 10-50 joule threshold above which cardiac ventricular fibrillation can occur.
ISN’T HIGH VOLTAGE LETHAL?
High voltage, in itself, is not dangerous. One can receive a 25,000-volt shock of static electricity from a doorknob on a dry day without harm. The physiological effect of electrical shock is determined by the current, its duration, and the power source that produces the shock. The typical household current of 110 volts is dangerous because it can pump many amperes of current throughout the body indefinitely. By contrast, the TASER® device's power supply consists of alkaline 9-Volt batteries that are capable of supplying eighteen watts of electrical power for a few minutes, but will not kill the assailant (see "HOW CAN THE TASER® DEVICE BE SO EFFECTIVE YET NON-INJURIOUS?" above).
WILL THE TASER® DEVICE CAUSE ELECTROCUTION?
No. The output is metered by the electronics and the electrical energy in each pulse is always the same, regardless of the target condition. The electrical output will not be transferred from one person to another even if they touch. TASER®, Inc.’s president has been stunned by a TASER® while standing in water to emphasize this point.
WHAT ARE THE AFTER EFFECTS?
A person hit with a TASER® device will feel dazed for several minutes. The pulsating electrical output causes involuntary muscle contractions and a resulting sense of vertigo. It can momentarily stun or render an attacker unconscious. Yet, the TASER’s low electrical amperage and short duration of pulsating current, ensures a non-lethal charge. Moreover, it does not cause permanent damage or long-term aftereffects to muscles, nerves or other body functions. A January 1987 Annals of Emergency Medicine study reported TASER® technology leaves no long term injuries compared with 50% long term injuries for gun shot injuries.
MUST THE PROBES PENETRATE THE BODY TO BE EFFECTIVE?
No. The electrical current will "jump" up to two inches as long as both probes are attached to clothing or skin. At most, only the 3/8-inch needlepoint will penetrate the skin. They have less energy than a spring propelled BB.
WHAT IF THE PROBES MISS?
The TASER® device can be used in a touch-stun mode. The user is thus provided with a final backup if the probes miss the target. Should the user miss or engage a second attacker, he can touch the unit directly to the target and it will work like a powerful touch-stun device.
WHAT IS THE BEST-SHOT AT MAXIMUM RANGE?
As long as the spread of the probes is at least six inches, the TASER® device will be extremely effective. To ensure that the spread is greater than six inches, the TASER® device should be fired at a target several feet away. The optimum shot is from seven to ten feet away from the target to achieve maximum effect. At seven to ten feet away - the spread of the probes will be approximately 16 inches, ensuring that the target receives the most efficient T-Wave flow.
DOES TEMPERATURE HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE TASER® DEVICE?
No. The TASER® device utilizes compressed nitrogen (an inert gas). The TASER® device compressed air capsules have successfully held their charges at temperatures of minus 20º F and up to 160º F. Moreover, altitude will not adversely effect the firing of a TASER® device. In addition, the temperature will not effect the T-Wave. However, as with any product containing polycarbonates and other thermoplastics, the TASER® device and Air Cartridges should never be left in direct sunlight. |
