The National Association of Medical Examiners created a database on Taser-related deaths to provide guidance to medical examiners on how to rule in deaths linked to the use of stun guns.
“It?s just an effort to look at case reports, newspaper stories, whatever is out there and try to formulate some opinions as to what we need to do,” said Dr. Randy Hanzlick, chief medical examiner in Fulton County, Ga., and one of the database?s primary architects. “There are so many factors involved in some of these deaths ? usually there is another explanation, but to cast off all doubts doesn?t make sense.”
The reluctance of some coroners to rule the devices as either the primary or contributing factor in deaths can be attributed in part to the threat of lawsuits, Hanzlick said.
“There have been direct statements at our meeting by the manufacturers: ?You put that on the death certificate, and the company will sue you,? ” he said.
Taser International, the predominant manufacturer of stun guns, did not dispute Hanzlick?s claims.
“We have held and will continue to hold medical examiners responsible for any untrue statements,” company spokesman Steve Tuttle said.
In September, NAME will convene a special committee to begin issuing protocols for medical examiners in Taser-related deaths.
“The goal is to develop guidelines on how to investigate the deaths and how to certify them,” Hanzlick said.
Maryland Chief Medical Examiner Dr. David Fowler, who is investigating five Taser-related deaths this year, said he supports Hanzlick?s efforts.
“I am interested in the truth,” Fowler said.
