TA04 Positional Asphyxia and Excited Delirium

Question 1

Define Positional Asphyxia and Excited Delirium;

Answer 1

Positional Asphyxia (PA) is: suffocation caused by the body’s position
and weight or pressure on the lungs

Question 2

PA is more likely to occur if one of more risk factors are present. List as many risk factors as you can;

Answer 2

 Male
 Aged 34-44
 Overweight
 Pressure on stomach/chest
 Airway restricted
 Alcohol or drug misuse
 Handcuffed and in prone position
 Excited delirium
 Physical illness (asthma, CORD)
 Mental illness
 Head injury
 Prior cardiac or respiratory problems

Question 3

List three restraint positions that can cause PA;

Answer 3

1 Lying face down on the ground (prone)
2 Prone position with any pressure on torso (eg from officer on upper back or subject
lying on an object)
3 Prone position with officer placing weight on their feet while ankles are crossed and
legs bent behind them.

Question 4

In your own words explain how you could prevent PA;

Answer 4

Achieve restraint and remove weight off subject ASAP
Move subject into suitable breathing position (recovery on side)
Never transport subject in prone position or hog tied
Constantly monitor the person and seek medical help if needed.

Question 5

Describe Excited Delirium (ED) in your own words;

Answer 5

A state of extreme mental and physiological excitement, characterised by extreme agitation, hyperthermia (overheating), hostility, exceptional strength and endurance without apparent fatigue.

Question 6

What are considered the main causes of ED?

Answer 6

Excessive drug use eg bath salts, MDMA
Mental illness accompanied by drug use
Acute Psychosis