Transcript Positional Asphyxia

Positional Asphyxia
MVA Training
The Spinney
Positional Asphyxia
The term asphyxia is vague and confusing.
Refers to a state of the body:
 Deprived of Oxygen
 Excess carbon dioxide
 Hypoxia
Positional Asphyxia
Loss of consciousness
 Low oxygen
 High Carbon dioxide
 Asphyxia – achieved unnaturally
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Positional Asphyxia
Physical energy expenditure
 Increasing body chemicals
 Weaken body muscles
 Respiratory muscles
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Positional Asphyxia
Stress on heart increases
 More oxygen to function
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If an individual with severe respiration muscle
fatigue is restrained in a position that
impairs or prevents breathing, it is easy to
understand why positional asphyxia can
occur so quickly.
Positional Asphyxia
Syndrome (traumatic asphyxia)
 Sole/contributory factor to death
 Breathing apparatus impaired
 As a result of restraint
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Risk Factors
Position during restraint
 Prolonged struggle
 Prescribed medication
 Respiratory disorders
 Drug and alcohol intoxication
 Cardiovascular disorders
 Obesity
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How to asphyxiate
Compression to neck
 Compression to chest/back/torso
 Obstructed airways/vomiting
 Chemical/environmental
 Postural position
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Signs
Congestion of the face
 Facial oedema
 Cyanosis/increased de-oxygenated blood
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Awareness
Observations
 Vital signs
 Overheating/dehydration
 Caution with administering medication
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