Download 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

Positional Asphyxia
Physical energy expenditure
 Increasing body chemicals
 Weaken body muscles
 Respiratory muscles

Positional Asphyxia
Stress on heart increases
 More oxygen to function

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

Risk Factors
Position during restraint
 Prolonged struggle
 Prescribed medication
 Respiratory disorders
 Drug and alcohol intoxication
 Cardiovascular disorders
 Obesity

How to asphyxiate
Compression to neck
 Compression to chest/back/torso
 Obstructed airways/vomiting
 Chemical/environmental
 Postural position

Signs
Congestion of the face
 Facial oedema
 Cyanosis/increased de-oxygenated blood

Awareness
Observations
 Vital signs
 Overheating/dehydration
 Caution with administering medication
