There are two primary ways to expose a subject to a TASER® electronic control device
(“
ECD”) device. The first method of exposure is the “Deployed Probe” method where metal
probes are discharged under a compressed nitrogen propellant in order to make contact with a
subject from a distance. In the Deployed Probe method the probes are intended to make
contact with the subject’s skin or clothing. The second method is a direct contact method
known as a “
Drive-Stun.” The Drive Stun method is where the front of the ECD device makes
direct contact with the subject’s clothing or skin. For the purposes of this informational sheet,
the Drive Stun method does not include the use of the probes.
Deployed Probe Removal & Treatment
If the Deployed Probe method has been used and the probe(s) pierce the skin or other body
organ, the ECD probes should be removed if they are still embedded in the skin or organ. To
remove the probes stabilize the surrounding tissue with one hand and provide inward pressure
for counter-traction. With your other hand, take hold of the visible metal part of the probe and
yank firmly straight back - there will be resistance due to the barb but the probe will come out. If
embedded in bone, removal may require the use of a pair of pliers, Kelly’s, or similar tool to grab
the visible metal part. The removal sequence is the same. Anesthesia is almost never required
due to the electrocautery effect of the surrounding tissue. Do not attempt to pull the probes out
by the wires, the wires are very fragile and will easily break if tugged. The areas affected should
be disinfected and bandaged if necessary.
Be aware that on rare occasions, ECD probes may come into contact with sensitive areas
and may require specialty consultation for removal. These would include contacts such as
ocular, laryngeal or urethral penetration.
Be aware that on extremely rare occasions, TASER probes embedded in the chest have
been associated with a pneumothorax (to date, TASER International, Inc. is aware of only one
such case). The subject at apparent higher risk for this condition is the extremely thin, asthenic
subject with minimal thoracic soft tissue.
Additionally, on rare occasion, a probe tip may become embed into the bone if the area of
penetration has a superficial bone surface present (such as anterior tibia, hand, or face).
Removal of the probe from the bone can be more difficult but can still be easily accomplished in
an emergency department. Occasionally, a small avulsion fracture may result from probe
removal in these areas.
Drive-Stun Treatment
If the Drive-Stun method is used, there will be no embedded probe(s) and there will only be
skin markings from the ECD contact points. These markings should be disinfected and
bandaged as needed.
Other Patient Evaluation Recommendations
1. Tetanus prophylaxis status should be ascertained and updated as necessary.
2. The most common injury associated with an ECD application is a “
Secondary Injury,”
meaning an injury not directly caused by the electricity of the ECD device. Because the ECD
application tends to cause muscular contractions and incapacitation of body movement and
balance, subjects tend to experience injuries associated with loss of balance and falling
such as lacerations, contusions, abrasions, sprains, and fractures. The subject should be
evaluated for these types of secondary injuries.
3. There is no evidence to support the need for cardiac monitoring, blood work, or any type of
comprehensive work up based on the ECD application alone. However, there may be
evidence to support the need for a comprehensive medical evaluation based on the
subject’s behavior which led him/her to receive the ECD application from law enforcement.
These recommendations are provided by TASER International, Inc. for informational purposes only.
These recommendations are not intended to constitute medical advice. Please confer with your local
medical director and protocols for TASER probe removal and wound treatment