|
| |
SWB3jpg
|
| |
Continued submersion results in asphyxiation
|
| |
,
|
| |
|
(from
Greek ''a-'', "without" and ''sphuxis'', "pulse, heartbeat") is a condition of severely deficient supply of
Oxygen to the body that arises from being unable to
Breathe normally. Asphyxia causes
Generalized Hypoxia , which primarily affects the tissues and organs most sensitive to
Hypoxia first, such as the brain, hence resulting in
Cerebral Hypoxia . Asphyxia is usually characterized by
Air Hunger but this is not always the case; the urge to breathe is triggered by rising
Carbon Dioxide levels in the blood rather than diminishing oxygen levels. Sometimes there is not enough carbon dioxide to cause air hunger, and victims become hypoxic without knowing it. In any case, the absence of effective remedial action will very rapidly lead to
Unconsciousness ,
Brain Damage and
Death . The constriction of the
Artieries and/or
Vein s in the
Neck , such as in certain types of
Strangulations , do not cause asphyxia but rather direct
Cerebral Hypoxia . '''Asphyxiation''' or '''suffocation''' refer to the process of asphyxia, where the body becomes increasingly
Hypoxic .
Asphyxiation is typically the result of various
Accident s. It is also the desired effect of various , in which the aim is to cause asphyxia by partially or fully interfering with normal breathing. Asphyxiation techniques are used to maim or kill in
Capital Punishment ,
Suicide ,
Torture ,
Violence and
Warfare . They are also used non-fatally in
Martial Arts ,
Combat Sport s,
BDSM and
Erotic Asphyxia . Asphyxiation is typically caused by one of the following three mechanisms:
''
''
''
Typical examples of these include:
- The filling of Cryogenic Vessels with liquified, oxygen-free gases such as Nitrogen in an enclosed space.
- Workers entering a Brewery fermentation vat unaware that the space is filled with Carbon Dioxide .
- Workers descending into a sewer or the hold of a ship containing heavier than air, oxygen-free gases usually Methane or carbon dioxide.
- The misuse or failure of closed-circuit diving Rebreather sets where the recirculated Breathing Gas contains insufficient oxygen.
- Breathing a hypoxic breathing gas mixture while diving in shallow water where the Partial Pressure of oxygen is too low to support consciousness; hypoxic ''bottom gasses'' are designed only to be breathed at depth where larger amounts of oxygen become toxic under pressure.
- Inhalation of overwhelming amounts of non-oxygen gases such as Helium or CO2 fire extinguishers for recreational or amusement purposes.
- Loss of aircraft cabin pressure; cabin pressure of commercial aircraft is usually kept at an altitude equivalent of between 5,000-8,000ft, unconsciousness can occur without awareness if a malfunction allows the cabin altitude to rise above 20,000ft.
- Exposure to a Vacuum , such as the decompression of a Spacecraft or Space Suit (see Soyuz 11 ).
The two categories of causes above are particularly dangerous as the victim may be completely unaware of the onset of hypoxia and experience no urgent need to breathe.
refers to the mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the mouth and/or nostrils, for instance by covering the mouth and nose with a hand or a plastic bagFerris, J.A.J.
Asphyxia . ''www.pathology.ubc.ca''. URL's last accessed
March 1 2006 (DOC format). Smothering can be either partial or complete, where partial indicates that the person being smothered is able to inhale some air, although less than required. Normally, smothering requires at least partial obstruction of both the nasal cavities and the mouth to lead to asphyxia. Smothering with the hands or chest is used in some
Combat Sport s to distract the opponent, and create openings for
Transitions , as the opponent is forced to react to the smothering. It is also used in
BDSM as a type of
Facesitting .
In some cases, smothering is combined with simultaneous compressive asphyxia. One example is , in which an adult accidentally rolls over an infant during
2006 .
compresses the chest, making it difficult for the person on the bottom to
Breathe .]]
(also called '''chest compression''') refers to the mechanical limitation of the expansion of the lungs by compressing the torso, hence interfering with breathing. Compressive asphyxia occurs when the chest or abdomen is compressed
Posteriorly
Jones, Richard.
Strangulation . ''www.forensicmed.co.uk''. URL last accessed
2006 .
Chest compression is also featured in various
2006 ..
