Positional Asphyxia

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Positional Asphyxia

• MVA Training
• The Spinney

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Positional Asphyxia

• The term asphyxia is vague and confusing.
• Refers to a state of the body
• Deprived of Oxygen
• Excess carbon dioxide
• Hypoxia

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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

5
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.

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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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Any Questions?