Electrical effect on probe wounds after long time exposure with a new generation conducted electrical weapon (Taser T10®) on human volunteers.

Abstract

Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are widely employed by law enforcement agencies globally to manage and restrain potentially violent individuals. As newer generations of these weapons are introduced, it is crucial to assess their effectiveness and safety profiles. The TASER 10 (T10) represents a significant advancement, utilizing an independently targeted probe system with floating polarities, enabling any two probes to establish a connection. This design enhances its versatility and operational effectiveness compared to earlier models. In scenarios requiring use over greater distances- such as deployment via drones-prolonged electrical exposure may be necessary to bridge the gap to the subject and secure control of the situation. The extended exposure duration associated with these probes may result in altered wound mechanisms and morphological features. This study examines the morphological wound characteristics of 20-30 s of electrical exposure delivered through hand-placed dart electrodes of the T10 CEW. To our knowledge, this represents the first human study to investigate potential electrical injuries resulting from extended-duration exposure with the T10 CEW.