UNlVERSITY OF OTTAWA I-I£ART INSTITUTE I INSTITUT DE CARDIDLOGIE DE L'UNIVERSITE D'OTTAWA
40 rue Ruskin Sheet, Ottawa, Ontilrio KIY 4W7

www.ottawahcart.ca

September 28, 1999
Cst. JohnE. McDDnald
Tactical Team Operations
474 Elgin Street
Ottawa, ON

RE: APVANCED TASER
Dear Cst. McDonald,
Further to our meeting regarding the new advanced Taser system, I believe that the new device
is superior to the original Taser system in that it seems to be more effective in controlling
violent offenders. With regard to its medical safety, based on the information that was
provided to me I cannot see that it should provide any increased risks to patients with either
pacemakers or implantable defibrillators. Once again the risk ancl benefit ratio must be
examined and cenainly in the case ofa violent offender, it would be favorecl to use this system
regardless of any cardiac condition when compared to the alternative or violent way to
incapacitate an offender.
Thank you very much for allowing me to review this system and I hope that it proves to be a
useful tool for your tactical team. I would be happy to continue our discussions at any time.

P. Hendry, M.D., FRCSC
Division of Cardiac Surgery
Co-Director Pacemaker Clinic
University of Ottawa
Hean Institute
PH/gh