Today, we’re tackling a question that might have crossed your mind: can you use a taser as a defibrillator?
I mean, they both deliver electric shocks, right?
Well, let’s dive in and find out!
The Lowdown on Tasers and Defibrillators
Although both involve electric shock. There is a big difference between the type of shock a Taser gives, and the shock a defibrillator gives.
First we need to understand the difference between current and voltage. Think of electricity like water flowing through a pipe. Current is like the amount of water flowing through the pipe, while voltage is like the pressure pushing the water through the pipe.
A taser is high voltage but low current. There is not much “water” running through the pipe. But what is running through is high pressure. This means that it can incapacitate a person without doing them too much lasting harm.
On the other hand, a defibrillator has a high current. It wants to get as much “water” through the heart so that the heart to make the heart temporarily stop and reset itself.
The Energy Difference
One of the key differences between tasers and defibrillators is the amount of energy they deliver. A typical taser supplies about 0.36 joules of electricity, while a defibrillator can deliver up to 360 joules – that’s a whopping 1000 times more energy!
This controlled, high-energy shock is what makes defibrillators effective in resetting the heart’s rhythm.
Precision Control
When it comes to defibrillating someone, you need to make sure that the shock runs directly through the heart. That’s why when using a defibrillator, getting the right pad placement is so important.
A taser doesn’t have that level of accuracy. It is more of a general shock that affects the whole nervous system rather than a specific area.
Frequency and Duration
Another crucial difference lies in the frequency and duration of the electrical impulses. Tasers deliver a series of short, high-frequency pulses to disrupt the nervous system and muscles throughout the body.
Defibrillators, on the other hand, deliver a single, longer-duration shock specifically targeting the heart muscle
The Verdict: Don’t Tase My Heart
So, can you use a taser as a defibrillator? The short answer is a resounding “no.” Tasers simply don’t have the energy, control, or precision needed to effectively reset the heart’s rhythm during a cardiac arrest.
Trust the Experts
When it comes to life-saving medical devices like defibrillators, it’s crucial to rely on equipment that’s been specifically designed and tested for that purpose.
When a life is on the line, you want a device that’s been engineered to deliver the right kind of shock, at the right intensity, and in the right place.
At DDI Safety, we’re getting defibrillators into people’s hands throughout Australia. Want to learn more about how these devices? Read our article on How Defibrillators Work?