From the Research
Patients who have had conducted electrical equipment (CEW) such as a Taser deployed generally do not require active monitoring in the hospital if they appear clinically well after the incident. Most patients who are asymptomatic, have normal vital signs, and no concerning physical findings can be medically cleared without prolonged observation, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. However, certain high-risk groups should be monitored more carefully, including those with pre-existing cardiac conditions, pregnant women, individuals under the influence of drugs (particularly stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine), those with multiple or prolonged CEW exposures, and patients with concerning symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or altered mental status. The medical rationale for this approach is that CEWs like Tasers deliver brief electrical pulses that typically cause temporary neuromuscular incapacitation without sustained cardiac effects in healthy individuals, as noted in the literature review 1. Most adverse outcomes are related to secondary trauma from falls or to pre-existing medical conditions rather than direct electrical injury. If monitoring is deemed necessary, it should include continuous cardiac monitoring, regular vital sign checks, and observation for at least 4-6 hours or until clinical stability is established. Key factors to consider in the decision to monitor include the patient's overall clinical presentation, the presence of any high-risk factors, and the specific circumstances of the CEW deployment, as discussed in the study 1. It is essential to weigh the potential benefits of monitoring against the risks of unnecessary hospitalization and the importance of promptly discharging patients who are unlikely to experience adverse effects, as emphasized in the literature 1.