Instructor and User Warnings, Risks,
Liability Release and Covenant Not to Sue
TASER International, Inc. does not require a TASER device
electrical discharge (“TASER Exposure”) as a condition for
instructor or user TASER certification. It is up to each law
enforcement agency’s policy to determine whether its instructors
and users experience a TASER device exposure as part of their
training.
If you volunteer to experience a TASER Exposure, you must read
and sign this Form prior to any TASER Exposure.
WARNINGS AND RISKS
IMPORTANT SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION
Read, understand, and follow the training, safety instructions, and
warnings before experiencing a TASER Exposure. (These warnings are
effective March 1, 2007, and supersede all prior revisions for TASER
devices.)

TASER® electronic control devices are weapons designed to
incapacitate a person from a safe distance while reducing the likelihood
of serious injuries or death. Though they have been found to be a safer
and more effective alternative when used as directed to other traditional
use of force tools and techniques, it is important to remember that the
very nature of use of force and physical incapacitation involves a degree
of risk that someone will get hurt or may even be killed due to physical
exertion, unforeseen circumstances and individual susceptibilities.
All volunteer exposures shall be performed by a TASER certified
instructor.
Spotters. All persons taking a TASER Exposure shall be supported by
spotters so they don’t fall. Each spotter should hold an upper arm under
the armpit, so that the person can be safely supported and lowered to the
ground after being hit without twisting or putting undue stress on the arm
or shoulder. If probes are fired in lieu of attaching spent wires or alligator
clips, then eye protection is required for both the spotter and the student
being exposed. Provided that no probes are attached to the person’s
arms, there should be no electrical pulses flowing into the spotters and
they can safely support the person being shot without any negative
impact.
No Minors. Because of parental/guardian consent issues, no minor shall
be exposed to a TASER device as part of a training course.
Keep Body Parts Away From Front. Keep your hands and body parts
away from the front of the TASER cartridge.
Avoid Static Electricity Discharge. Avoid contact between static
electricity and the TASER cartridge since static electricity can cause
unexpected discharge.
Deployment Safety Procedures
Avoid Sensitive Areas. Significant injury can occur from TASER device
deployment into sensitive areas of the body such as the eyes, throat, or
genitals—avoid intentionally targeting these areas without justification.

Avoid Known Pre-Existing Injury Areas. When practical, avoid
deploying a TASER device at a known location of pre-existing injury
(e.g., avoid targeting the back for persons with known pre-existing back
injuries, avoid targeting the chest area on persons with a known history
of previous heart attacks, etc.). These injuries may be provoked by such
deployment.
Beware—TASER Device Can Ignite Explosive Materials, Liquids, or
Vapors. These include gasoline, other flammables, explosive materials,
liquids, or vapors (e.g., gases found in sewer lines, methamphetamine
labs, and butane-type lighters). Some self-defense sprays use flammable
carriers such as alcohol and could be dangerous to use in immediate
conjunction with TASER devices.
Deployment Health Risks
Continuous Exposure Risks. When practical, avoid prolonged or
continuous exposure(s) to the TASER device's electrical discharge. In
some circumstances, in susceptible people, it is conceivable that the
stress and exertion of extensive repeated, prolonged, or continuous
application(s) of the TASER device may contribute to cumulative
exhaustion, stress, and associated medical risk(s).
Other Conditions. Unrelated to TASER exposure, conditions such as
excited delirium, severe exhaustion, drug intoxication or chronic drug
abuse, and/or over-exertion from physical struggle may result in serious
injury or death.
Breathing Impairment. Extended or repeated TASER device exposures
should be avoided where practical. Although existing studies on
conscious human volunteers indicate subjects continue to breathe during
extended TASER device applications, it is conceivable that the muscle
contractions may impair a subject's ability to breathe. In tests conducted
on anesthetized pigs repeated TASER device applications did cause
cessation of breathing during TASER device discharges, although it is
unclear what impact the anesthesia or other factors may have had on the
test results. Accordingly, it is advisable to use expedient physical
restraint in conjunction with the TASER device to minimize the overall
duration of stress, exertion, and potential breathing impairment
particularly on individuals exhibiting symptoms of excited delirium and/or
exhaustion. However, it should be noted that certain subjects in a state of
excited delirium may exhibit superhuman strength and despite efforts for
expedient restraint, these subjects sometimes cannot be restrained
without a significant and profound struggle.
Vagal Response. Some individuals may experience an exaggerated
response to a TASER device exposure, or threatened TASER device
exposure, which may result in a person fainting.
Permanent Vision Loss. If a TASER probe becomes embedded in an
eye, it could result in permanent loss of vision.
Seizure Risks. Repetitive stimuli such as flashing lights or electrical
stimuli can induce seizures in some individuals. This risk is heightened if
electrical stimuli or current passes through the head region.
Post-Deployment Procedures—Wound and Injury Care
Probe Removal. In most areas of the body, injuries or wounds caused
by TASER probes will be minor. TASER probes have small barbs. There
is a possible risk of probes causing injury to blood vessels. Follow your
training and agency’s guidance for probe removal.

© 2004-2007 TASER International, Inc. TASER®, Shaped Pulse™ and the Globe & Lightning Bolt Logo are trademarks of TASER International, Inc.
LG-FORM-INSTRUCT-002 Rev: E

March 1, 2007

Page 1 of 2

Instructor and User Warnings, Risks,
Liability Release and Covenant Not to Sue
Skin Wound Treatment. TASER devices can cause skin irritation, small
puncture wounds, friction abrasions, minor burns, etc. As with any injury of
this type, in some circumstances infection(s) may occur. Thus, appropriately
cleanse any such wounds and if necessary seek medical attention.
HEALTH RISKS
Response to Exposure. The TASER device can cause temporary
discomfort, pain, stress, and panic, which may be injurious to some people.
Muscle Contraction-Related Risks. The TASER device can cause strong
muscle contractions that may result in physical exertion or athletic-type
injuries. In certain instances this may be serious for some people, such as
those with pre-existing conditions and/or special susceptibilities. This may
also occur in instances where a person has an unusual and/or unanticipated
response to the TASER device deployment and/or discharge.
Secondary Injury Risks. TASER-induced strong muscle contractions
usually render a subject temporarily unable to control his or her psychomotor
movements. This may result in secondary injuries such as those due to falls.
This loss of control, or inability to catch oneself, can in special circumstances
increase the risk(s) of serious injury or death. Persons who are physically
infirm or pregnant are among those who may be at higher risk. Also, persons
who could fall on a sharp object (such as persons holding a knife or other
edged weapon) or suffer impact injuries to their head or other sensitive area
in a fall could also be at a higher risk. Other persons at higher risk include:
those located on elevated or unstable platforms (e.g., trees, roofs, ladders,
ledges, cranes, loading docks), operating a vehicle or machinery, or those
who are running. Persons located in water may drown if their ability to move
is restricted.
Strain Injury Risks. It is possible that the injury types may include, but are
not limited to, strain-type injuries such as hernias, ruptures, dislocations,
tears, or other injuries to soft tissue, organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments,
nerves, and joints. Fractures to bones, including vertebrae, may occur.
These injuries may be more likely to occur in people with pre-existing injuries
or conditions such as pregnancy, osteoporosis, osteopenia, spinal injuries,
diverticulitis, or in persons having previous muscle, disc, ligament, joint, or
tendon damage. It is believed that the risk of these injuries is comparable to
or less than the risk(s) from vigorous physical exertion, such as weight
training, wrestling, or other intense athletic endeavors.
Scarring. Use of a TASER device, especially in drive (or touch) stun mode,
can cause marks, friction abrasions, and/or scarring that may be permanent
depending on individual susceptibilities or circumstances surrounding
TASER device use and exposure.
Laser Beam Eye Damage. The TASER device incorporates a laser aiming
aid. Laser beams can cause eye damage. Avoid intentionally aiming at the
eye(s) of a person or animal.
If you have a condition or pre-existing injury that would be aggravated by
muscle contractions and physical exertion check the appropriate box below
and notify the instructor prior to participating in the TASER device exposure.