Using Taser Gun on Patients: A Critical Review

Taser is a variant of stun gun that is mainly used by the law authorities to control violent or escaping criminals. A Taser is an electroshock weapon which uses electrical current to disrupt voluntary control of muscles. Considering its utility, some psychiatric hospitals are planning to use them in their emergency departments for better handling of volatile situations in which the patient is dangerous to handle. In this paper we have attempted to review the advantages and disadvantages of introduction of Taser guns in hospitals. This paper will discuss the various medical, ethical, legal and social aspects of Taser use in medical care. In the end some guidelines and recommendations for its use in hospitals on the psychiatric patients and the management of tasered subjects is also suggested.