1/3 of People Shot By Tasers Need Medical Attention

**Matt Molnar** · 2008-06-20, 03:28 PM

One-third of people shot by Taser need medical attention: probe
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 | 10:14 AM ET

About one in three people shot with a Taser by the RCMP receive injuries that require medical attention, according to a joint investigation by CBC News/Radio-Canada and the Canadian Press.

The media outlets, which analyzed the Taser-use forms RCMP officers are required to fill out if they draw a stun gun, examined reports from 2002 to 2007. According to the data, 28 per cent, or 910 of the 3,226 people who were shot, had to go to a medical facility.

But a detailed examination of the forms revealed that many more people are injured, yet never see a doctor. [Full Article]

The study fails to mention that in comparison, 100% (or 3/3rds) of people shot by firearms or cracked upside the head with a nightstick require medical attention.

**wunaladreamin** · 2008-06-20, 03:52 PM

The study also fails to mention, those cooperating with the authorities did not require tasering and therefore did not require medical attention.

**cancidas** · 2008-06-20, 04:11 PM

it also fails to mention those that don't cause trouble that don't require being shot in the first place.

**flyboy 28** · 2008-06-20, 04:51 PM

I'm glad all my points have already been mentioned. :P

**adam613** · 2008-06-20, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by wunaladreamin

The study also fails to mention, those cooperating with the authorities did not require tasering and therefore did not require medical attention.

Absolutely.

But I don't think the article was finding fault with police for using Tasers, as much as it was with the misconception that Tasers are "safe". If they didn't cause injury, they'd be rather useless in those situations where people are not cooperating with the cops and need to be Tasered, no?

**emshighway** · 2008-06-20, 05:00 PM

When the taser was first introduced by NYPD it was protocol to call for EMS. Most of this was for removal of the barbed probes.

I hate these civil liberties spun articles.

**NYCMedic** · 2008-06-22, 06:35 AM

It is still Protocol for anyone tasered to have an EKG to assure they weren't shocked into a dysrythmia. Surprisingly most don't refuse, I guess it helps when they sue the city.

**Tom_Turner** · 2008-06-22, 09:24 AM

I doubt EMS was called back in the days of 106th precinct torturing confessions out of teenage drug suspects using stun guns.

The police force has come a long way from that era of Koch and Ward.

Tom

**emshighway** · 2008-06-22, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by Tom_Turner

I doubt EMS was called back in the days of 106th precinct torturing confessions out of teenage drug suspects using stun guns.

The police force has come a long way from that era of Koch and Ward.

Tom

We are talking about the NYPD issued Tasers which fire two probes connected to wire. The stun guns you reference are the type that actually have to touch a person and I don't believe they were NYPD issued.

**Tom_Turner** · 2008-06-22, 10:08 AM

I believe the early stun guns were issued to/by the NYPD in the 1980s. Yes, they were the earlier technology and not widely used.

Tom

**emshighway** · 2008-06-22, 11:02 AM

I know a retired boss that worked the area around that time, I'll ask him the next time I see him.

**PhilDernerJr** · 2008-06-22, 12:58 PM

If there is a misconception that tasers are safe, then people are stupid. They are intended to be NON-LETHAL, not necessarily safe.

**Matt Molnar** · 2008-06-22, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Phil D.

If there is a misconception that tasers are safe, then people are stupid. They are intended to be NON-LETHAL, not necessarily safe.

Yep. If they were safe Taser International would not hesitate to make a kids version. They already introduced a women's self-defense model that comes in a variety of colors, including pink and leopard print.