COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

HOLY ANGEL FSPATHO –

EDUCATION & FORENSICS (CCJEF)
UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
5083

In a 300- 500 Words, Discuss the Mechanism of Asphyxia

Asphyxia is a covers a broad term that refers to a multitude of illnesses that interfere
with oxygen intake or usage. Rapid loss of consciousness is caused by a decrease
in the concentration of oxygen in the blood that reaches the brain. The brain is the
organ most impacted in all forms of asphyxia fatalities because it is the most
vulnerable to oxygen deprivation. According to clinical data, heart activity may
persist for up to 10 minutes following respiratory stoppage. Continued cardiac
activity after respiratory arrest allows for resuscitation.

Forensic scientists classify asphyxia related fatalities, whether they are accidental,
suicide, or homicidal, based on the mechanism. Depending on the investigator's
experience, the terminology used to identify cause of death may also change,
confusing the client. Suffocation, chemical asphyxia, and strangulation are the three
broad types. A chemical ingested that prevents the body from using oxygen [such as
Chemical asphyxia is characterized by [nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, and
butane]. The protein hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in red blood cells, is
blocked from binding oxygen by carbon monoxide. When another gas displaces
oxygen, the phrase "simple" hypoxia is occasionally used. Drowning occurs when
water or another liquid enters the lungs, producing suffocation.

There are various variants, including immersion syndrome, subsequent drowning,

and near-drowning. To further frustrate individuals who are not familiar with the
terms, a coroner's report may occasionally mention a serious medical or pathological
condition such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as the cause of death
rather than suffocation during a drowning. By the cause of death, suffocation deaths
can be further broken down into those brought on by mechanical asphyxia,
mechanical asphyxia paired with smothering, entrapment asphyxia, environmental
asphyxia, smothering, choking, and suffocating gases. It is extremely unusual for
mechanical nose and mouth blockage to cause suffocation. Examples include
drunkenness that causes unconsciousness and then facial compression on cushions
or bedding.

Spitz W. (2006) Asphyxia (From Medicolegal Investigation of Death: Guidelines for

the Application of Pathology to Crime Investigation, Fourth Edition, P 783-845, 2006,
Werner U. Spitz and Daniel J. Spitz, eds. -- See NCJ-214126) U.S Department of
Justice. Office of Justice Programs.
https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/asphyxia-medicolegal-
investigation-death-guidelines-application

Ellis R. (November 29, 2021) What is Asphyxia? WebMD.

https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/asphyxia-overview

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 COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
HOLY ANGEL FSPATHO –
EDUCATION & FORENSICS (CCJEF)
UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
5083

Tasa Writers. (n.d.) Forensic Analysis of Injury and Death by Asphyxiation. The
Tasa Group.
https://www.tasanet.com/Knowledge-Center/Articles/ArtMID/477/ArticleID/338920/
Forensic-Analysis-of-Injury-and-Death-by-Asphyxiation

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