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Human Electrical Muscular Incapacitation and Effects on QTc Interval |
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| Authors: | John A. Gibbons D.O. M.P.H. Andrew J. Mojica Ph.D. Mark E. Peele M.D. |
| Affiliation: | 1. Air Force Research Laboratory, Bioeffects Division, Airman Systems Directorate, Fort Sam Houston, TX;2. KBRwyle Inc.: Science, Technology and Engineering, Department of Medicine, Fort Sam Houston, TX;3. USARMY MEDCOM Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX |
| Abstract: | Human Electrical Muscular Incapacitation (HEMI) is used to subdue combative individuals. Changes in cardiac electrical activity have been proposed as the cause of death in a small fraction of these individuals. The current study sought to determine whether changes in QTc interval occur after HEMI exposure. Twenty‐four participants had EKG readings before a 5‐second HEMI exposure and within 30 min after exposure. All subject EKGs were read by a data‐blinded cardiac electrophysiologist who calculated a QT corrected (QTc) interval. QTc interval was calculated using Bazett method. QTc prolongation was defined as >430 ms and a threshold of 30 ms for identifying QTc lengthening. Five participants experienced QTc prolongation and six had QTc lengthening. One participant developed QTc prolongation exceeding 500 ms, which carries a risk of developing multifocal ventricular tachycardia. These results suggest that HEMI exposure may cause EKG changes with a risk of ventricular tachycardia. |
| Keywords: | forensic science electromuscular incapacitation human electromuscular incapacitation QT interval Bazett method QTc interval ventricular tachycardia electrocardiogram |