Ventricular Fibrillation after Stun-Gun Discharge
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《新英格兰医药杂志》
To the Editor: The question of the safety of the use of "stun guns" by law-enforcement agencies has been raised in the news.1 Deaths after discharges from such devices (Tasers) have been reported, although no definite causative link between death and the use of a stun gun has been made.2,3
An adolescent was subdued with a Taser stun gun and subsequently collapsed. Paramedics found the adolescent to be in ventricular fibrillation (Figure 1A) and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation within two minutes after the collapse. After four shocks and the administration of epinephrine, atropine, and lidocaine, a perfusing rhythm was restored (Figure 1B). The adolescent made a nearly complete recovery and was discharged from the hospital several days later. This case of ventricular fibrillation after a discharge from a stun gun suggests that the availability of automated external defibrillators to law-enforcement personnel4 carrying stun guns should be considered.
Figure 1. Electrocardiogram after Discharge from a Stun Gun.
Panel A shows the initial rhythm (ventricular fibrillation). Panel B shows the rhythm before and after defibrillation with a 360-J shock.
Paul J. Kim, M.D.
Wayne H. Franklin, M.D.
Children's Memorial Hospital
Chicago, IL 60614
wfranklin@childrensmemorial.org
References
Anglen R. Taser safety claim questioned. Arizona Republic. July 18, 2004.
Ordog GJ, Wasserberger J, Schlater T, Balasubramanium S. Electronic gun (Taser) injuries. Ann Emerg Med 1987;16:73-78.
Kornblum RN, Reddy SK. Effects of Taser in fatalities involving police confrontation. J Forensic Sci 1991;36:434-438.
White RD, Hankins DG, Bugliosi TF. Seven years' experience with early defibrillation by police and paramedics in an emergency medical services system. Resuscitation 1998;39:145-151.
An adolescent was subdued with a Taser stun gun and subsequently collapsed. Paramedics found the adolescent to be in ventricular fibrillation (Figure 1A) and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation within two minutes after the collapse. After four shocks and the administration of epinephrine, atropine, and lidocaine, a perfusing rhythm was restored (Figure 1B). The adolescent made a nearly complete recovery and was discharged from the hospital several days later. This case of ventricular fibrillation after a discharge from a stun gun suggests that the availability of automated external defibrillators to law-enforcement personnel4 carrying stun guns should be considered.
Figure 1. Electrocardiogram after Discharge from a Stun Gun.
Panel A shows the initial rhythm (ventricular fibrillation). Panel B shows the rhythm before and after defibrillation with a 360-J shock.
Paul J. Kim, M.D.
Wayne H. Franklin, M.D.
Children's Memorial Hospital
Chicago, IL 60614
wfranklin@childrensmemorial.org
References
Anglen R. Taser safety claim questioned. Arizona Republic. July 18, 2004.
Ordog GJ, Wasserberger J, Schlater T, Balasubramanium S. Electronic gun (Taser) injuries. Ann Emerg Med 1987;16:73-78.
Kornblum RN, Reddy SK. Effects of Taser in fatalities involving police confrontation. J Forensic Sci 1991;36:434-438.
White RD, Hankins DG, Bugliosi TF. Seven years' experience with early defibrillation by police and paramedics in an emergency medical services system. Resuscitation 1998;39:145-151.