Positional Asphyxia Flashcards
What is Positional Asphyxia?
The sudden and unexplainable death of somebody shortly after being taken into custody
What are some of the risk factors of Positional Asphyxia?
- Individual is highly stressed
- Handcuffed/Restrained in face down position
Other possible factors:
- Mania/Wild/Bizaare behaviour
- Violent Resistance
- Drug and Alcohol use
- Males
- Large Build/Obsese
What should police do to avoid Positional Asphyxia?
Do not restrain/convey individuals in a way that may cause Positional Asphyxia (where possible). Including:
Persons handcuffed should not be placed in a prone position for extended periods of time
Do not leave them lying prone on their stomach or in any position where pressure is exerted on the stomach or where the face is obstructed.
T/F - Persons handcuffed should not be placed in a prone position for extended periods of time
True - Persons handcuffed should not be placed in a prone position for extended periods of time
T/F - Persons handcuffed should be placed in a prone position as long as you want
False - Persons handcuffed should not be placed in a prone position for extended periods of time
T/F - Do not leave them lying prone on their stomach or in any position where pressure is exerted on the stomach or where the face is obstructed.
True
T/F - It is best to leave a person lying on their stomach/face if they have been handcuffed
False - Do not leave them lying prone on their stomach or in any position where pressure is exerted on the stomach or where the face is obstructed.
When multiple officers use their weight on a subject to restrain them, when should they be freed?
At the first operationally safe opportunity
If officer use weight/high-level restraint techniques, what should they be monitoring?
The suspects breathing.
Immediately abandon if signs of breathing difficulty or lack of pulse
When officers have control of the subject, what position should they place them?
Roll on side or sit them up
