Asphyxiation is one of the most common causes of pediatric fatal and nonfatal injury accidents, homicides, and suicides worldwide. Death investigator and forensic nurse instructors will provide attendees with a strong foundation of the pathophysiology, signs/symptoms, and difficulties in diagnosing twelve types of non-aquatic asphyxiation (e.g. positional, choking, strangulation, inert gas, confined space), as well as an understanding of why children are particularly susceptible to asphyxiation mechanisms. Discussions of how to use diagnoses of exclusion methods to provide multidisciplinary team members with investigation strategies.
Learning Objectives:
State and describe at least five types of asphyxiation by offenders in child maltreatment
Define asphyxiation, describe the physiology and pathophysiology, and list possible signs and symptoms
Describe three ways in which children purposefully use asphyxiation to obtain ‘highs,’ to enhance sexual gratification, or to cause self-harm.
