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Ophthalmic injuries from a TASER

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Jay S. Han
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. Department of Anesthesia, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont.
Anil Chopra
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont.
David Carr*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont.
*
Department of Emergency Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St. RFE GS 433, Toronto ON M5G 2C4; [email protected]

Abstract

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The TASER (TASER International) is an energy-conducting weapon, that is becoming more frequently used by law enforcement officials to subdue combative individuals. Though generally regarded as a safe alternative, the use of such weapons has been reported to cause serious injuries. We describe a case in which ocular injuries were sustained by impalement with a TASER dart. Emergency physicians should be aware of the potential for serious ophthalmic injuries from TASERs and how such injuries should be managed.

Type
Case Report • Rapport de cas
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2009

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