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Saturday, November 18, 2006Taser International Inc. lawyers claim in their suit that Medical Examiner Lisa Kohler lacks the expertise to connect its weapon to the 2005 deaths of Dennis Hyde, 30, and Richard Holcomb, 18, both of Akron. Not only were both from Akron, but both were high on stimulants: Holcomb died in May 2005 after being stunned with a Taser by a Springfield Township police officer. Hyde died in January of that year after being shocked with a Taser by Akron police. Hyde's death was attributed to probable arrhythmia from methamphetamine use and electrical pulse incapacitation. Holcomb's death was attributed to cardiac arrhythmia coupled with methamphetamine and Ecstasy use. The medical evidence supports the medical examiner. Pig hearts go into abnormal rhythms more easily under taser stimulation when they've been given epinephrine - a condition which would be similar to using amphetamines in people. No doubt police departments are starting to back away from using Tasers, as they themselves are being sued all around the country for using the device. Which is probably why Taser is suing to try to clear its name. Given the prepondrance of evidence, that approach isn't likely to work. Even a well-timed blow to the chest can cause a fatal arrhythmia. The perpetrators in these situations aren't exactly innocent bystanders. People high on amphetamines are not likely to be docile in situations involving police. The question is - which method of subduing the violent and agitated would do less harm - a traditional gun or a stun gun or a blow to the head with a billy club? posted by Sydney on 11/18/2006 08:49:00 AM 0 comments 0 Comments: |
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