Taser Death Mimics three others in Allegheny County - Cited as Excited Delirium Syndrome

News Type: Event — Seeded on Sat Aug 9, 2008 4:15 AM EDT

Article Source: Tribune-Review News

health, pennsylvania, tasers, taser-watch, taser-death, allegheny, andre-thomas, excited-delirium-syndrome, swissvale, zappala

Seeded by Digits

The behavior and medical symptoms of a Swissvale man who died after being shot with a Taser gun by borough police mimic those of at least three others who died under similar circumstances, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. said Thursday.

After being struck with the Taser prongs late Monday and hit with three five-second electrical "bursts," Andre Thomas, 37, showed "superhuman strength," had trouble speaking and breathing, vomited and went into cardiac arrest, Zappala said.

"I'm not prepared to talk about whether the actions of the officers were justified," Zappala said. "I want to see a lot of reports and consult with the FBI." The FBI said Wednesday it is monitoring the case for possible civil rights violations.

Three other men died in Allegheny County since 2006 after being struck with Tasers and were determined to have died from a condition known as Excited Delirium Syndrome, exhibiting violent and erratic behavior followed by worsening medical symptoms.

Excited Delirium Syndrome, however, is controversial.

"Pathologists, police, stun-gun makers and civil liberties advocates differ on the existence of Excited Delirium Syndrome."

"Skeptics say it gets listed as a cause of death only when people die in the custody of police or medical personnel, and only when the person is forcibly restrained. Weapons such as stun guns or pepper spray frequently are involved."

"Proponents list as proof the similarities in those who die from it -- erratic and violent behavior, stimulants in the person's blood, disorientation, surges of strength and a final period of calm before the person's heart stops beating."

And finally,

"As many as 1,000 people nationwide die from it each year, but no one tracks the deaths and the number is an estimate. Neither the American Medical Association nor the American Psychiatric Association recognizes the syndrome. "

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Groups: Open Minded, Psych, Soc, Philos, RightsVine, TaserWatch
Regions: Pittsburgh

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Does Excited Delirium Syndrome exist if it is not recognized by the AMA or APA?

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2 votes

#1 - Sat Aug 9, 2008 4:18 AM EDT

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...and in other Pennsylvania taser news, Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the School District is considering tasers...

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2 votes

#2 - Sat Aug 9, 2008 9:30 AM EDT

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Taser Death Mimics three others in Allegheny County - Cited as Excited Delirium Syndrome

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