Donald M. Dawes

Effect of position and weight force on inferior vena cava diameter--implications for arrest-related death.

INTRODUCTION The physiology of many sudden, unexpected arrest-related deaths (ARDs) proximate to restraint has not been elucidated. A sudden decrease in central venous return during restraint procedures could be physiologically detrimental. The impact of body position and applied weight force on central venous return has not been previously studied. In this study, we use ultrasound to measure the size of the inferior vena cava (IVC) as a surrogate of central venous return in the standing position, prone position, and with weight force applied to the thorax in the prone position. METHODS This was a prospective, observational study of volunteer human subjects. The IVC was visualized from the abdomen in both the longitudinal and transverse section in the standing and prone positions without weight force applied, and with 100 lbs (45 kg) and 147 lbs (67 kg) of weight force on the upper back in the prone position. Maximum and minimum measurements were determined in each section to account for possible respiratory variation of the IVC. RESULTS The IVC significantly decreased in size with each successive change: from standing to prone, from prone to prone with 100 lbs (45 kg) weight compression, from prone with 100 lbs (45 kg) weight compression to prone with 147 lbs (67 kg) weight compression (p < 0.0001). The vital sign measurements had no statistical change. CONCLUSIONS The physiology involved in many sudden, unexpected ARDs has not been elucidated. However, in our study, we found a significant decrease in IVC diameter with weight force compression to the upper thorax when the subject was in the prone position. This may have implications for the tactics of restraint to aid in the prevention of sudden, unexpected ARD cases.

An evaluation of two conducted electrical weapons and two probe designs using a swine comparative cardiac safety model

Despite human laboratory and field studies that have demonstrated a reasonable safety profile for TASER brand conducted electrical weapons (CEW), the results of some swine studies and arrest related deaths temporal to the use of the CEWs continue to raise questions regarding cardiac safety. TASER International, Inc., has released a new CEW, the TASER X2, touted to have a better safety profile than its long-standing predecessor, the TASER X26. We have developed a model to assess the relative cardiac safety of CEWs and used it to compare the TASER X2 and the TASER X26. This safety model was also used to assess the relative safety of an experimental probe design as compared to the standard steel probe. Our results suggest that the TASER X2 has an improved safety margin over the TASER X26. The new probe design also has promise for enhanced cardiac safety, although may have some disadvantages when compared to the existing design which would make field use impractical.

An evaluation of two conducted electrical weapons using a swine comparative cardiac safety model

Arrest-related deaths proximate to the use of a conducted electrical weapon (CEW) continue to generate controversy despite a better understanding of the multi-factorial nature of many of these deaths. With the rapid adoption of this technology by law enforcement, and the proliferation of companies entering the marketplace, it is important to have a method to assess the relative safety of these weapons. We had previously developed a model to assess the relative cardiac safety of CEWs. In this study, we use this model to compare the TASER X2 and the Karbon Arms MPID. Our results suggest that the TASER X2 may have an improved cardiac safety margin over the Karbon Arms MPID as determined by a smaller area of cardiac pacing on the anterior chest in our model. This model seems to offer a reproducible means of comparing the cardiac effects of CEWs.

Effect of simulated resistance, fleeing, and use of force on standardized field sobriety testing.

Introduction When a law enforcement officer (LEO) stops a suspect believed to be operating (a vehicle) while impaired (OWI), the suspect may resist or flee, and the LEO may respond with force. The suspect may then undergo a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) to gauge impairment. It is not known whether resistance, fleeing, or actions of force can create an inaccurate SFST result. We examined the effect of resistance, fleeing, and force on the SFST. Materials and Methods Human volunteers were prospectively randomized to have a SFST before and after one of five scenarios: (1) five-second conducted electrical weapon exposure; (2) 100-yard (91.4 m) sprint; (3) 45-second physical fight; (4) police dog bite with protective gear; and (5) Oleoresin Capsicum spray to the face with eyes shielded. The SFST was administered and graded by a qualified LEO. After the SFST, the volunteer entered their scenario and was then administered another SFST. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. SFST performance was compared before and after using chi-square tests. Results Fifty-seven subjects enrolled. Three received a single-point penalty during one component of the three-component SFST pre-scenario. No subject received a penalty point in any components of the SFST post-scenario (p = 0.08). Conclusions This is the first human study to examine the effects of physical resistance, flight, and use of force on the SFST result. We did not detect a difference in the performance of subjects taking the SFST before and after exposure to resistance, flight, or a simulated use of force.

Extended Range Conducted Electrical Weapon Wounds

Extended range conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) differ from handheld CEWs in that they are capable of being applied to subjects from a relatively long distance. They do so through unique launching platforms and involve different ballistic properties and attachment mechanisms than typical CEW deployed probes. Currently, there is only a single extended range CEW in use.

Conducted Electrical Weapon Drive-Stun Wounds

Direct contact with the front of many handheld conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) is a common method of application. This method is sometimes referred to as a “touch stun” or “contact stun.” However, “drive stun” is the most widely accepted term for this type of application. This term is appropriate since the user “drives” the CEW into the recipient to ensure adequate contact. Metal surfaces on the front of the CEW or its cartridge serve as the requisite minimum two points of contact for conduction of electrical current. These points of contact are fixed and close enough that, in general, there is stimulation of peripheral sensory neurons but little stimulation of regional motor neurons. This results primarily in a painful stimulus and less incapacitation.

Conducted Electrical Weapon Deployed Probe Wounds

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.