An analysis of officer-reported TASER X2™ probe discharge effectiveness in the United Kingdom.

Conducted energy devices (CEDs) are designed to immobilise aggressive individuals through the application of an electrical discharge administered via probes fired at the subject. Although the discharge is intended to disrupt voluntary movement, CEDs have their limitations and several factors are qualitatively understood to adversely influence CED effectiveness. The introduction of the twin-cartridge TASER X2™ into UK policing in 2017 provided a unique opportunity to undertake a quantitative assessment of the factors modulating probe discharge effectiveness based on data reported by police officers firing the device operationally.

The use of TASER devices in UK policing: an update for clinicians following the recent introduction of the TASER 7.

Taser was introduced into UK policing in 2003 to bridge the operational gap between use of incapacitant sprays and firearms. Use of force reporting in the UK indicates that Taser is relatively safe provided that it is used lawfully. Taser use can result in injuries and has been implicated in a small number of deaths.

Injury scoring systems for blast injuries: a narrative review.

Injury scoring systems can be used for triaging, predicting morbidity and mortality, and prognosis in mass casualty incidents. Recent conflicts and civilian incidents have highlighted the unique nature of blast injuries, exposing deficiencies in current scoring systems. Here, we classify and describe deficiencies with current systems used for blast injury.

Forensic reconstruction of two military combat related shooting incidents using an anatomically correct synthetic skull with a surrogate skin/soft tissue layer.

Six synthetic head models wearing ballistic protective helmets were used to recreate two military combat-related shooting incidents (three per incident, designated 'Incident 1' and 'Incident 2'). Data on the events including engagement distances, weapon and ammunition types was collated by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The models were shot with 7.

Modelling the blast environment and relating this to clinical injury: experience from the 7/7 inquest.

This paper addresses the computational modelling of a series of specific blast-related incidents and the relationships of clinical and engineering interpretations. The Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory were tasked in 2010 by the UK Ministry of Defence to assist the Coroner's inquests into the 7 July 2005 London bombings. A three phase approach was taken.

Computed tomography can improve the selection of fragment simulating projectiles from which to test future body armor materials.

Introduction: Ballistic protective materials used in body armor are tested with fragment simulating projectiles (FSPs). The type of FSP used has historically been made by choosing fragments representative of those produced by controlled explosions, which may not be representative of those fragments actually injuring soldiers.

Method: 75 cylindrical FSPs of three different sizes were fired into six euthanized pigs, imaged using computed tomography (CT) and the wound tracks dissected.

Mortality and morbidity from combat neck injury.

Background: Neck injury represents 11% of battle injuries in UK forces in comparison with 2% to 5% in US forces. The aim of this study was to determine the causes of death and long-term morbidity from combat neck injury in an attempt to recommend new methods of protecting the neck.

Method: Hospital and postmortem records for all UK servicemen sustaining battle injuries to the neck between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010 were analyzed.