Positional asphyxiation is a serious risk that must be considered when using restraint techniques in any setting. It occurs when a person’s body position prevents them from breathing correctly, leading to a lack of oxygen and potentially fatal consequences. Let us look at the causes of positional asphyxiation, the warning signs to look out for, and how to prevent it from happening.

Emergency Paediatric

What is Positional Asphyxiation?

Positional asphyxiation occurs when a person’s body position prevents them from breathing properly. It can happen in various settings, including law enforcement, healthcare, and emergency services. The most common cause of positional asphyxiation is when a person is restrained in a position that compresses their chest or restricts their ability to move. It can happen when a person is placed in a prone position, where their chest is pressed against the ground, or when they are restrained in a way that restricts their movement.

Factors that Contribute to Positional Asphyxiation

• Body weight: A person’s body weight can contribute to positional asphyxiation because the heavier a person is, the more pressure is put on their chest.
• Age: As we age, our bodies become less flexible, making it more difficult to breathe in certain positions.
• Health conditions: Some health conditions, such as obesity, can make it more difficult for a person to breathe in certain positions.
• The use of restraints: The use of restraints, such as handcuffs or shackles, can restrict a person’s movement and make it difficult for them to breathe.

Warning Signs of Positional Asphyxiation

There are several warning signs that a person may be experiencing positional asphyxiation. These include:

• Difficulty breathing or gasping for air
• Bluish or greyish skin colour
• Loss of consciousness
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Loss of pulse

If you suspect a person is experiencing positional asphyxiation, it is crucial to act quickly. Remove any restraints and place the person in a position that allows them to breathe properly. Call emergency medical assistance immediately if the person is unconscious or not breathing.

Preventing Positional Asphyxiation

To prevent positional asphyxiation, it is important to be aware of its contributing factors and take steps to mitigate them. Some steps that can be taken in order to avoid positional asphyxiation include:

• Avoiding the prone position: The prone position is the position that is most likely to lead to positional asphyxiation, so it should be avoided whenever possible.
• Monitoring the person’s breathing: If a person is in a position that could lead to positional asphyxiation, their breathing should be closely monitored. If they are having difficulty in breathing, they should be immediately repositioned.
• Removing restraints: If a person is in a position that could lead to positional asphyxiation and they are being restrained, the restraints should be removed as soon as possible.
• Proper training: Those who are responsible for restraining people should receive appropriate training on how to do so safely and how to recognize the signs of positional asphyxiation.

Conclusion

Positional asphyxiation is a serious risk that must be considered when using restraint techniques. It is beneficial to be aware of the warning signs and act immediately if they occur, and take steps to prevent positional asphyxiation from happening. By taking part in training solutions, one can avoid such a situation and possibly a loss of life.