The Safety of Using Taser Devices on Individuals with Pacemakers or ICDs

One of the most persistent and surprising urban myths is that there is some sort of special danger associated with using Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs) like Taser devices on patients with pacemakers or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs). This article delves into the scientific evidence surrounding this concern.

Understanding Implantable Devices

Pacemakers and ICDs are advanced medical devices designed to manage and control heart rhythms. These devices are embedded within the body and are capable of withstanding significant energy shocks. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) standards for these implantable devices mandate that they can withstand extremely high energy shocks, such as up to 360 joules monophasic and 200 joules biphasic. Moreover, these devices must withstand a 360 joule shock from an external defibrillator, which is significantly more energy than that of a Taser device.

The Energy Output of Taser Devices

Thorough studies have proven that Taser devices pose no significant threat to individuals with pacemakers or ICDs. For example, the X26 model Taser delivers approximately 0.07 joules per pulse, while the M26 model Taser delivers 0.50 joules per pulse. These figures are fundamentally lower than the energy levels required to cause cardiac arrest or damage the devices.

From Ezine Articles, it is reported that studies have shown that Taser devices do not interrupt a person's heartbeat nor do they damage pacemakers. The electrical output of a Taser is far below the safe levels required to cause a cardiac arrest. A modern pacemaker is specifically designed to withstand the energy produced by an external defibrillator, which can produce up to 300 joules of energy. In comparison, a Taser device creates less than one joule of energy. This means that a person with a pacemaker can safely survive even after being exposed to a Taser.

Scientific Evidence and Studies

Further scientific research has provided conclusive evidence that Taser devices do not have adverse effects on pacemakers and ICDs. For instance, the oversensing of Taser CEW discharges can sometimes cause noise reversion pacing in pacemakers and inappropriate detection of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in ICDs. However, the nominal 5-second discharge by a Taser is sufficiently short to avoid clinically significant inhibition of bradycardia pacing or inappropriate ICD shocks. The current evidence does not indicate any adverse effects on pacemakers and ICDs.

Another study found that the functions of pacemakers and ICD generators and leads were not affected by 5-second stun gun shocks. These findings are consistent with the notion that the short duration of the shock does not impact implanted devices.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that the duration of a Taser shock is extremely short and does not pose a significant threat to implanted devices. Extensive research and studies have consistently shown that Taser devices do not pose a risk to individuals with pacemakers or ICDs. Therefore, law enforcement and medical professionals can use Taser devices with confidence, knowing that they are safe for individuals with these medical devices.

Keywords: Taser, pacemaker, ICD, medical devices, electrical weapons