WHAT IS THE ADVANCED TASER M18/M18L?

The ADVANCED TASER M18/M18L is an ECD manufactured by TASER International, Inc. ECDs use propelled wires or direct contact to conduct energy to affect the sensory and motor functions of the nervous system. The ADVANCED TASER M18L includes a laser sight to aid in aiming.

The ADVANCED TASER M18/M18L uses a replaceable cartridge containing compressed nitrogen to deploy two small probes that are attached to the ADVANCED TASER M18/M18L by insulated conductive wires with a maximum length of 15 feet. The ADVANCED TASER M18/M18L transmits electrical pulses along the wires and into the body affecting the sensory and motor functions of the peripheral nervous system. The energy can penetrate up to two cumulative inches of clothing, or one inch per probe.

NEUROMUSCULAR INCAPACITATION (NMI)

The human nervous system communicates with simple electrical impulses. The command center (brain and spinal cord) processes information and makes decisions. The peripheral nervous system includes the sensory and motor nerves. The sensory nerves carry information from the body to the brain (temperature, touch, etc.). The motor nerves carry commands from the brain to the muscles to control movement and can be involuntary in response to the sensory information. An example would be the involuntary muscle reaction to pull a hand away from a hot object. TASER technology uses similar electrical impulses to cause stimulation that affects the sensory and motor nerves.

Neuromuscular Incapacitation (NMI) occurs when a device is able to cause involuntary stimulation of both the sensory nerves and the motor nerves. It is not dependent on pain and is effective on subjects with a high level of pain tolerance.

Previous generations of stun guns could primarily affect the sensory nerves only, resulting in pain compliance. A person with a very high tolerance to pain (e.g., a drug abuser or a trained, focused fighter) might be able to fight through the pain of a traditional stun gun.

COMMON EFFECTS OF NMI

The use of TASER technology is designed to cause incapacitation and involuntary muscle contractions making secondary injuries a possibility. These potential injuries include but are not limited to: cuts, bruises, impact injuries, and abrasions caused by falling, and strain-related injuries from muscle contractions such as muscle or tendon tears, or stress fractures. These injuries are secondary in nature and not directly attributable to the electric stimulation of the TASER device, but are possible consequences of the involuntary muscle contractions the TASER device induces to produce incapacitation. Some of the effects may include:

• Subject may fall immediately to the ground, and be unable to catch him/herself.
• Subjects located in the water may drown if their ability to move is restricted.
• Subject may yell or scream.
• Involuntary muscle contractions of varying degrees.
• Subject may freeze in place with legs locked.
• Subject may feel dazed for several seconds/minutes.
• Potential vertigo.
• Temporary tingling sensation.
• May experience critical stress amnesia (may not remember any pain).

For a full list of warnings, see www.TASER.com.