Positional

Positional asphyxia, also known as postural asphyxia, is a form of asphyxia which occurs when someone's position prevents them from breathing adequately. This can happen if the mouth and nose are blocked, or if the chest may be unable to fully expand.

Causes

Positional asphyxia can occur in various situations, including restraint-related incidents, where the position of the body interferes with respiration, leading to asphyxia. It can also occur in small confined spaces, or where a person is physically compressed.

Symptoms

Symptoms of positional asphyxia can include difficulty breathing, feeling lightheaded, and eventually loss of consciousness. If the person does not receive immediate medical attention, it can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

Prevention

Prevention of positional asphyxia involves avoiding situations where the body is in a position that interferes with breathing. This includes ensuring that during restraint, the person's airway is not blocked and that they are able to breathe properly.

See also

• Asphyxia
• Restraint (psychiatry)
• Sudden unexpected death syndrome