@article{ref1,
title="Electronic gun (Taser) injuries",
journal="Annals of emergency medicine",
year="1987",
author="Ordog, G. J. and Wasserberger, J. and Schlater, T. and Balasubramanium, S.",
volume="16",
number="1",
pages="73-78",
abstract="The Taser is an electrical weapon used for immobilization. Two hundred eighteen patients who were shot by police with a Taser for violent or criminal behavior were compared to 22 similar patients shot by police with .38 Specials. The long-term morbidity rate was significantly different for "tasered" victims (0%) and for those with bullet wounds (50%) (P less than .05). The mortality rate was also significantly different between "tasered" victims (1.4%), and gunshot wound victims (50%) (P less than .05). Possible complications associated with Taser wounds included contusions, abrasions, and lacerations (38%); mild rhabdomyolysis (1%); and testicular torsion (0.5%). Although 48% of "tasered" patients required hospitalization, all but one was for a preexisting injury or toxic or psychiatric problem. We conclude that Tasers are relatively safe when compared to shooting with more conventional weapons.",
language="",
issn="0196-0644",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}