Summary
Systematic review with narrative synthesis on energy-conducting devices (Tasers) and their implication in out-of-hospital emergencies
Affiliation of the authors
DOI
Quote
Borraz-Clares D, Serrano-Lasaosa L, Gasca-Carceller M, Cester-Martínez A. Systematic review with narrative synthesis on energy-conducting devices (Tasers) and their implication in out-of-hospital emergencies. Rev Esp Urg Emerg. 2025;4:245–53
Summary
INTRODUCTION. Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs) are a tool used by law enforcement as an alternative to firearms. Their objective is to increase safety in interventions for the police, the aggressor, and the general public. The main objective of this article is to identify and analyze the existing evidence on the functioning of CEDs, the physiopathological effects after discharge, and the therapeutic measures applied to ensure quality health care.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. We conducted systematic review with narrative synthesis of the results across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases. The search was performed from August through November 2024 using the terms “Taser,” “Conducted Energy Weapon Injuries”[MeSH], “Emergency Medical Services”[MeSH], among others.
RESULTS. A total of 121 articles were identified, with 18 studies selected for inclusion in the article. Following the analysis, the functioning of CEDs, the most common injuries caused by electrode impact, and complications likely caused by the passage of electric current through the body were described, in addition to the health care that should be provided to these individuals.
CONCLUSION. CEDs present low morbidity and mortality, but also risks that require protocolized health care intervention, life support training, and further research on their effects and complications.