Hanging Flashcards
Define hanging
ligature strangulation. The force applied to the neck is derived from the gravitational forces on the body
Describe some theories as to why suicide occurs in clusters
People that are vulnerable to suicide and suicidal ideation are more likely to be friends
In small communities news travels fast via the media
The idea that suicide is more common can increase its ideation
What pleasures do people get from autoerotic asphyxiation (I reworded this question 101 times and it still sounds wrong)
partial asphyxiation = hypoxia = hallucinogenic state
What scene clues would indicate autoerotic asphyxiation rather than suicide
mirrors
sex toys
whips
photos
State some potential mechanisms of death occurring as a result of hanging
cerebral hypoxia: carotid artery occlusion
asphyxia: engorged tongue obstructing the back of the throat + tracheal compression
carotid sinus reflex death: carotid sinus stimulation induces a vagal response leading to bradycardia, arrhythmias and cardiac arrest
Broken neck: resulting in phrenic nerve damage and spinal cord rupture
What is the most likely way people who are hung die?
initial jugular compression = venous congestion = hypoxia = LOC = muscles relax allowing the noose to tighten = carotid artery compression = cerebral hypoxia
how do people who are hung via long drop die
Broken neck
Designed to break C2/C3
+ phrenic nerve damaged = immediate asphyxia
+ ruptured spinal cord
What are the 4 types of hanging
short drop
suspension
standard drop
long drop
compare the appearance of someone who was partially and fully suspended in a hanging?
partially suspended: jugulars are compressed without occluding the carotid artery meaning you get a dark engorged face with petechiae
fully suspended: carotid arteries are occluded leading to a pale blue face
What signs might you find on a hanging patient
soft tissue bruising and ligature marks
hyoid fracture
hypoxic convulsions
urine and faeces (sphincter relaxation in hypoxia)
a person survives a hanging, what other injuries/disease processes might occur
carotid artery dissection
thrombosis leading to an ischaemic stroke
pulmonary oedema
describe the carotid body stimulation theory in hanging
carotid body stimulation by the compression of the noose leads to a strong vagal response. This causes bradycardia, escape rhythms, arrhythmia and cardiac arrest
How may a child end up as a victim of hanging
accidental - eg blinds and curtains
suicidal
choking games
abuse
compare neurogenic and post-obstructive pulmonary oedema, both of which can occur in hanging
neurogenic: anoxic brain injury = catecholaminergic surge
post-obstructive: forced inspiration against an obstructed airway generates excessive negative inspiratory pressure. When the obstruction is released, pulmonary oedema occurs
