How To Remove Taser Barbs

Are you curious on how to remove taser barbs? Have you noticed that the probes of your personal taser look relatively threatening based on how sharp they are? Maybe you’ve been shot with a taser before and you are wondering what the removal process was?

No matter which question applies to you, I have the information for you! I’ll make sure you are fully informed on how to properly remove taser barbs. It’s an important thing to understand with dealing with tasers as there are certain circumstances where you actually won’t want to remove them and seek hospital treatment instead.

Please note that there are circumstances where you DO NOT remove the barbs in the field. This will be explained in detail. The following process is best to do with protective gloves. To remove the barbs you will first check the patient’s vitals. If there is no equipment available you will want to check their pulse to ensure it is regular. Also, ensure the taser is turned off and the safety on. To remove the barbs, which you will do individually, you will place your hand in a V-shape formation around the barb and with your other hand you will grab the barb and pull the barb out in a firm and quick motion. Then, examine the barb to make sure the tip is not broken off into the patient’s skin. You can then dispose of the barb in a safe container if one is available. You will then repeat the process for the second barb and finally, you will want to clean the wound. To clean the wound simply wipe the impact sight clean with an antiseptic, like alcohol, and then apply an adhesive bandage to the wound. 

When To Seek Hospital Treatment

There are certain circumstances where you do not want to remove the taser barbs in the field and instead get the patient to a hospital. If the taser barbs are embedded anywhere in the face, neck, genitals, breasts, or the spinal column you will want to get the person to a hospital for removal.

There are other guidelines where police and EMS are required to transport the patient to the hospital. Just so you know these guidelines include a previous cardiac (heart) history, or if they are intoxicated, non-compliant, or are otherwise complaining of other pains and injuries. It’s worth to note that each individual police agency will have their own guidelines that may slightly differ from these ones.

 If you’re curious to know how your police and EMS are required to respond it would be best to contact them locally!

Who Should Remove Taser Barbs

The procedure for removing taser guards is primarily geared towards Law Enforcement and EMS arriving on the site to provide routine care and emergency transportation in life-threatening conditions, which is rare. Please allow for the authorized personnel to remove the taser barbs, as opposed to yourself, if they are readily available.

I am glad that you are educating yourself on the proper procedure but if it is not necessary for you to be the one removing the barbs then I would avoid it, if possible. 

How Serious Is Proper Removal?

It really depends. Honestly, taser barb removal doesn’t feed into the mainstream controversy of taser usage by authorities. There have been some studies done that basically explain taser barb removal is an OSHA issue and needs to be handled through proper procedure. The claims made are stating that it can increase the risk of spreading diseases like HIV and other bloodborne pathogens.

Considering the taser barb can stick into the person and cause the needle-like barb to be contaminated with blood, it’s easy to understand why this might raise concern. 

How To Remove The Barbs

If you do find yourself in a position where you need to remove taser barbs from someone it is best to follow the guidelines set in place by authorities for their personnel. After all, they are always trying to get the job done while causing the least amount of harm. If you own a taser and feel you might end up having to do this one day it also might be a good idea to carry protective gloves with you.

After you’ve assessed the victim of the taser and assured that the barbs are in a place that you can remove them then go ahead and place your hand in a V-shape around the barb and get a firm grip on the barb. Then you will quickly pull out the barb and inspect it to make sure the tip hasn’t broken off into their skin. Remember, if the barb is broken on one you can still remove the second one but make sure to take them to the hospital.

After the barbs are removed and discarded you will clean the wound with an antiseptic and apply an adhesive bandage to both impact sights. And voila! They are all good to go. Usually, the wounds will be healed up with no adverse side effects in a couple of days.

This video will give a nice visual explanation of how to remove taser barbs for you:

Well, Tasers Sound Kind Of Dangerous

It only seems this way due to the actual topic of this conversation. When you get into the details of removing the taser barbs I just need you to understand that sometimes there are situations where you really shouldn’t be removing the barbs. To answer the question it is just important to emphasize these situations so on the off-chance you find yourself in that scenario, you’ll remember what to do.

Also, the taser barbs are actually pretty small. If you’re familiar with fishhook removal techniques you might think about pushing the barb through the soft tissue to easily remove it back out. This is really not necessary as the barbs are so small they remove easily with enough force and the V-shape hand method. So don’t worry! You’ll have it all under control if you need to.

That’s It!

Now you are fully informed on the most common procedure on how to remove taser barbs! You are also familiar with the circumstances in which the taser barbs should be removed at a hospital and who should be removing taser barbs when a taser is deployed in the field. 

Aside from the potential adverse situations that require additional assistance, you should be finding that removing taser barbs is pretty easy! Congratulations on your progression as a taser expert! That’s it for now!