Medical Aspects of Less Lethal Weapons

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A number of weapons have been developed and are commonly used by modern law-enforcement agencies and some military organizations. The intent of these weapons is to subdue or incapacitate violent or dangerous suspects without causing serious harm or death. Commonly used less lethal weapons include chemical irritant agents, explosive distraction devices, kinetic impact munitions, and electrical incapacitation devices. While less lethal weapons are significantly safer than traditional firearms, no weapon can be entirely non-lethal and no weapon can be made entirely safe. Medical providers may treat subjects exposed to less lethal weapons and should presume injury until proven otherwise. The following is a review article on the medical aspects of less lethal weapons.