What should be done if a patient is found in a prone position after being Tasered?

• A. Place the patient in a seated position
• B. Turn the patient supine
• C. Leave the patient as found and monitor
• D. Restrain the patient and transport immediately

Answer: (B)

When someone has been tasered, the first priority is the airway and breathing. Being in a prone position can limit chest expansion and raise the risk of breathing difficulties or positional asphyxia, especially if the person is trying to resist or is still under the aftereffects of the taser. Turning the patient onto their back (supine) helps open the airway, allows better chest rise, and makes it possible to quickly assess breathing and monitor circulation. From the supine position you can manage the airway more effectively, check for signs of distress, and provide any needed interventions such as oxygen or suction if needed. Restraint or rapid transport while still prone can further impede breathing and complicate care, so the immediate step is to reposition to supine to facilitate safe monitoring and treatment.