By: Richard Armen
Submitted: 2010-04-18 05:45:21 | Word Count: 517
The one thing most people want to know when considering carrying a TASER device for self defense is whether it is safe. Is a TASER the most effective nonlethal self defense device, and will it cause undue harm to the attacker? Because this question is asked so often, numerous scientific studies have attempted to answer it. For example, one study by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that 99.7 of all TASER uses resulted in no significant injuries.
Despite all of the numbers regarding TASER use, still this question comes up time and again, and more studies attempt to shed light on the situation. Several recently published studies and reports have expanded understanding of the use of TASER devices. One report, by the American Medical Association (AMA) found that TASER devices, when used appropriately, particularly by members of law enforcement, can save lives during confrontations with police that would otherwise have required the use of deadly force. The AAM is currently formulating a resolution on the use of eletronic control devices (ECDs) such as TASER units and stun guns.
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Another report, by the National Institute of Health (NIH), examined reported cases of death after TASER use to determine the effect of TASER activation on brain chemicals. The study reported that the physiological response after being hit with a TASER was similar to that of being involved in a physical fight. Researchers concluded that TASER devices and other ECDs were actually one of the least activating of important brain chemicals such as adrenaline, while physical struggle was one of the most activating, along with dangerously lowering blood pH.
What does this study mean? For one, it is likely not the actual TASER use that has the potential to cause physical harm but rather the struggle and attack itself. Although the study focused on the physical effects of running from police officers, the same principles can be applied to an attack situation in which a civilian uses a TASER device against an attacker. The study concludes that engaging in a physical struggle can actually be more harmful to the attacker than being hit by a TASER device or similar self defense device. In addition, most deaths related to TASER use have also been tied to drug and alcohol use or to preexisting heart conditions which exacerbate the physical effects of the TASER s current.
Many of those who carry self defense devices are worried about the effect their use might have on an attacker; after all, you may not want to be responsible for someone s death, even if they are attacking you. This recent study should put your mind at ease – using a TASER device actually disrupts natural brain chemicals less than an intense physical fight.
Each of these published reports helps to further our understanding of the use of TASER devices. While TASER devices remain controversial in some circles, the growing body of scientific and medical literature on electronic control devices shows that use of such devices can be a very effective way to take down an attacker quickly and safely, reducing injuries and saving lives.
