Positional asphyxia

Positional asphyxia, also known as postural asphyxia, is a form of asphyxia which occurs when someone's position prevents them from breathing adequately. A small but significant number of people die suddenly and without apparent reason during restraint by police, prison (corrections) officers and health care staff. Positional asphyxia may be a factor in many of these deaths.

Related Topics:
Asphyxia - Position - Breathing

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• Positional asphyxia is a potential danger of many physical restraint techniques, and of some sexual bondage techniques.
• People may die from positional asphyxia by simply getting themselves into a breathing-restricted position they cannot get out of, either through carelessness or as a consequence of another accident.
• Small children under two are particularly at risk from positional asphyxia.

It has been hypothesized that crucifixion killed its victims by slow positional asphyxia as they became exhausted.

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Research has suggested that restraining a person in a face down position is likely to cause greater restriction of breathing than restraining a person face up. Many law enforcement and health personnel are now taught to avoid restraining people face down or to do so only for a very short period of time. Risk factors which may increase the chance of death include obesity, prior cardiac or respiratory problems, and the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine.

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Some researchers report that the effects of restraint on oxygen levels is limited, and that other factors must be present to explain sudden deaths during restraint.

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