Positional AsphyxiaPositional Asphyxia

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The SpinneyThe Spinney

Positional AsphyxiaPositional Asphyxia

The term asphyxia is vague and confusing.The term asphyxia is vague and confusing.

Refers to a state of the body:Refers to a state of the body: Deprived of OxygenDeprived of Oxygen Excess carbon dioxideExcess carbon dioxide HypoxiaHypoxia

Positional AsphyxiaPositional Asphyxia

Loss of consciousnessLoss of consciousness Low oxygenLow oxygen High Carbon dioxideHigh Carbon dioxide Asphyxia – achieved unnaturallyAsphyxia – achieved unnaturally

Positional AsphyxiaPositional Asphyxia

Physical energy expenditurePhysical energy expenditure Increasing body chemicalsIncreasing body chemicals Weaken body musclesWeaken body muscles Respiratory musclesRespiratory muscles

Positional AsphyxiaPositional Asphyxia

Stress on heart increasesStress on heart increases More oxygen to functionMore oxygen to function

If an individual with severe respiration muscle If an individual with severe respiration muscle fatigue is restrained in a position that fatigue is restrained in a position that

impairs or prevents breathing, it is easy to impairs or prevents breathing, it is easy to understand why positional asphyxia can understand why positional asphyxia can

occur so quickly.occur so quickly.

Positional AsphyxiaPositional Asphyxia

Syndrome (traumatic asphyxia)Syndrome (traumatic asphyxia) Sole/contributory factor to deathSole/contributory factor to death Breathing apparatus impairedBreathing apparatus impaired As a result of restraintAs a result of restraint

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Position during restraintPosition during restraint Prolonged struggleProlonged struggle Prescribed medicationPrescribed medication Respiratory disordersRespiratory disorders Drug and alcohol intoxicationDrug and alcohol intoxication Cardiovascular disordersCardiovascular disorders Obesity Obesity

How to asphyxiate How to asphyxiate

Compression to neckCompression to neck Compression to chest/back/torsoCompression to chest/back/torso Obstructed airways/vomitingObstructed airways/vomiting Chemical/environmentalChemical/environmental Postural positionPostural position

SignsSigns

Congestion of the faceCongestion of the face Facial oedemaFacial oedema Cyanosis/increased de-oxygenated bloodCyanosis/increased de-oxygenated blood

AwarenessAwareness

ObservationsObservations Vital signsVital signs Overheating/dehydrationOverheating/dehydration Caution with administering medicationCaution with administering medication