Conducted Electrical Weapon Deployed Probe Wounds

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Abstract

Deployment of probes is a common method of use for some handheld conducted electrical weapons (CEWs). Probe deployment allows for greater spread between the probes that favors induction of neuromuscular incapacitation. The probes can embed in clothing or tissue and leave wounds from kinetic energy impact, penetration trauma, and the conducted electrical current. Factors such as the angle and depth of penetration, the duration of exposure, and the length of time passage since the exposure can create wounds of different appearance.

It is important for clinicians, investigators, and legal authorities to understand these factors and the appearance of these wounds. This will help to avoid confusion and uncertainty. This chapter will aid the reader in improved recognition and understanding of these wounds.

Keywords

Puncture Wound Probe Penetration Surface Abrasion Probe Body Bare Skin 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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References

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    Despa F, Basati S, Zhang ZD, et al. Electromuscular incapacitation results from stimulation of spinal reflexes. Bioelectromagnetics. 2009;30(5):411–21.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
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    Personal Communication with TASER International, Inc. representative Max Nerheim, January 17, 2011.Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2012

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Emergency MedicineLompoc Valley Medical CenterLompocUSA
  2. 2.Santa Barbara Police DepartmentSanta BarbaraUSA
  3. 3.Departments of Emergency MedicineHennepin County Medical Center and the University of MN Medical SchoolMinneapolisUSA
  4. 4.Meeker County Sheriff’s OfficeLitchfieldUSA

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