Electronic control devices, or ECDs, familiarly known under the brand name TASER, are increasingly common among law enforcement as a nonlethal means of subduing a person. But while they are used every day, much is still not understood about how they affect the human body, making it difficult to know how to provide medical care for those affected. Emergency Nursing 2024 attendees at will have the opportunity to learn what to do in the educational session “Don’t Taze Me Bro: Medical Implications of Electronic Control Devices” from 10-10:45 a.m. on Sept. 7 in Titian 2301.
Gina Slobogin, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, NHDP-BC, BC-ADM, NEA-BC, CEN, TCRN, CPEN, CFRN, CTRN, PMGT-BC, PHRN
Presenter Gina Slobogin, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, NHDP-BC, BC-ADM, NEA-BC, CEN, TCRN, CPEN, CFRN, CTRN, PMGT-BC, PHRN, will detail the physical effects of ECD use on the body, employing both scientific research and video examples of ECD deployment. In addition, she will delve into the history and functionality of ECDs, and provide an overview of laws and policies related to ECD use around the world. Information from a wide variety of sources — including law enforcement, EMS, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and research studies both in favor and critical of ECDs — will offer a complete picture of the medical implications of using these devices and how ED nurses can respond.
In addition to research, Slobogin brings a wealth of personal experience to her presentation. While she is currently a nurse practitioner, she has worked on both sides of the hospital transfer, having previously worked as both an ED nurse and an EMT. She still works part-time as a pre-hospital nurse.
“When I was working in the ED, we’d see [ECD] cases three to four times a week,” Slobogin said, and she saw many cases when she was working in EMS, too. She remembers one ED case where a patient was held for almost 12 hours because it was unclear how their treatment should be handled.
As more law enforcement officers use ECDs, ED nurses must be prepared. “Law enforcement is being pushed to these less-than-lethal means of controlling subjects, and ECDs help the cops get control and they do the least amount of damage to the patient,” she acknowledged, but it is important for all parties involved to understand the ramifications of using these devices.