A term commonly used in news items, accident accounts or films, strangulation or strangulation is the act of squeezing an individual’s neck, which causes a cessation of breathing. It can sometimes be accidental (erotic play, accident in judo, in children…).
In news items, accounts of accidents or in films, we sometimes hear about strangulation or dstrangulation. But what does that mean? What symptoms? What are the consequences for a strangled person? What to do in the event of accidental strangulation?
Medical definition: what is strangulation?
A strangulation is a strangulation, in other words the act of squeezing the front or back part of an individual’s neck. According to the medical definition, strangulation is a neck constriction causing mechanical asphyxiation by blockage of breathing, either with the hands or with a tie (rope, rubber band). Depending on the intensity of the pressure exerted, it can lead to asphyxiation and death. Strangulation is mostly voluntary and is carried out in the context of a crime, execution or suicide (by hanging), or even during a erotic game. She can also be accidental (compression by the fall of an object, clothing caught by a machine, “game of the scarf”, sports accident in judo for example…)
We distinguish two big types strangulations:
- manual strangulation (by hand)
- strangulation at the link (using an object)
What are the symptoms of hand strangulation?
According to Dr. SOUID El-FarehLecturer in Forensic Medicine Faculty of Medicine (Sétif), this type of strangulation is almost always criminal. External examination of the victim’s body will likely show:
- signs of struggle (clothing disorder, multiple bruises and skin abrasions on the upper limbs, face, front part of the trunk, etc.)
- Ungual stigmata on the neck: these are semi-lunar or elongated impressionsof centimeter dimensions, often parchment, imprinted in the neck of the victim by the fingernails of the aggressor
- Rounded bruises (fingerprints)
- A fracture of the hyoid bone seen in approximately 1/3 of manual strangulations
What are the symptoms of tie strangulation?
Strangulations in ties are almost always criminal or very rarely, they can be suicidal acts (use of tourniquets or elastic ties, especially in prison or psychiatric settings) or accidental strangulations which can be seen in erotic games. In this type of strangulation, we find:
- a cervical furrow which opposes the hanging furrow by its characteristics (low located, horizontal, complete
- tissue bruising subcutaneous and sternocleidomastoid muscles
- a bruise sleeve around the vascular bundle
- transverse rupture of the internal tunic of the carotid artery(ies)
- fractures or dislocation of the hyoid bone, thyroid and cricoid cartilage.
“None of these signs, however, is specificmakes a point of specifying Dr. SOUID El-Farehet. The distinction between a strangulation furrow and a hanging furrow can sometimes be tricky.”
What are the consequences of strangulation?
Depending on the pressure exerted on the individual’s neck, strangulation can cause:
- the hyoid bone fracture (bone located just above the larynx)
- a cerebral edema (blood can no longer flow to the heart)
- a cerebral ischemia (disruption of blood and oxygen supply)
- fainting, then asphyxia which can lead to death (for example by crushing the larynx or trachea)
What to do in case of strangulation?
In the event of accidental strangulation, it is advisable to:
► Cut or loosen ties and lay the person down
► Call the emergency services by calling 15 (SAMU), 18 (fire brigade), 112 (European emergencies) or 114 (emergency number for the deaf and hard of hearing
► Free the airways of the victim. To do this, tilt your head slightly back, placing one hand under your chin, the other on your forehead.
► Check if the person is breathing : you have to bring the ear to the mouth and listen or feel the breath, observe your breathing rhythm (does the chest rise and fall?). If the person is unconscious and breathing, he must be placed in the lateral safety position (PLS) while waiting for help. If the person is unconscious and not breathing, resuscitation techniques should be practiced (mouth-to-mouth, cardiac resuscitation).
Source: Sheet on Strangulation by Dr SOUID El-Fareh