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                                  ASPHYXIA
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    This is a potentially fatal condition which occurs if there is not
    enough oxygen available to the tissues of the body. Such a lack may
    be due to an insufficient amount of oxygen in the air breathed in 
    or any interference with, or injury to, the respiratory system.

    Without an adequate supply of oxygen, the tissues deteriorate very
    quickly: vital nerve cells in the brain can die after only three
    minutes without oxygen. There are many conditions which can result 
    in asphyxia, some of which are listed below.

    Conditions Affecting Airway and Lungs 
    --------------------------------------
    Suffocation: by pillows or plastic bags.

    Fluid: in the air passages.

    Compression: of the windpipe, by hanging or strangulation.

    Compression: of the chest caused by a fall of earth, being crushed
                 against a wall or barrier or pressure from a crowd.
    
    Fits: preventing adequate breathing.


    Conditions Affecting Brain or Nerves That Control Respiration
    --------------------------------------------------------------
  
    Electrical injury.

    Poisoning.

    Paralysis: caused by stroke or injury to the spinal cord.


    Conditions Affecting Amounts Of Oxygen In The Blood
    -----------------------------------------------------

    Air containing insufficient oxygen: such as maybe found in gas or
    smoke-filled buildings or shafts and tunnels.

    Change in atmospheric pressure: at high altitudes, in depressurized
    aircraft or when deep sea diving.

    
    HANGING STRANGLING AND THROTTLING
    ---------------------------------

    Pressure on the outside of the neck by hanging, strangling or
    throttling, squeezes the airway shut and blocks of the flow of air 
    to the lungs.

    Aim
    ---
    Remove the cause of the restriction immediately, even of there are
    no signs of life and, if necessary, commence resusitation. Arrange
    removal to Hospital.

    N.B. Always seek medical aid, even if recovery SEEMS complete.

    TREATMENT
    ---------

    1: Remove the constriction from around the neck immediately, support-
       ing the weight of the body if it is hanging. Take care to cut
       BELOW the knot, if any ( a knot is difficult to cut and it maybe
       useful evidence).

    2: If the casualty is unconscious but breathing normally, place in 
       the Recovery Position ( see section - Resusitation ).

    3: If breathing is difficult or has stopped, begin Mouth To Mouth
       Resusitation immediately ( see section - Resusitation ).

    4: Remove to Hospital.
 
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