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*Data from Glass N, Laughon K, Campbell J, et al. Non-fatal strangulation is an important risk factor for homicide in women. J Emerg Med. 2008;35(3):329-335.
Section II
CASE STUDIES
OBJECTIVES
After completing the exercises presented in this chapter, the student will be able to:
1.Correctly identify the anatomy of strangulation patients.
2.Identify and document injuries based on an analysis of case photographs.
3.List at least 3 items of evidence that should be collected.
4.Discuss treatment and discharge instructions.
KEY TERMS
—Carotid artery: Arteries supplying oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain.
—Choking: Blocking of a respiratory passage by constriction of the neck, obstruction in the trachea, or swelling of the larynx.
—Hanging: Suspension from a cord or cord-like object wound around the neck.
—Jugular vein: Veins transporting deoxygenated blood from the brain back to the heart.
—Lethality of strangulation: Odds of death as a result of strangulation.
—Ligature strangulation: Strangulation without suspension using a cord-like object.
—Manual strangulation: Strangulation using the hands, fingers, or other extremities.
—Petechial hemorrhage: Subcutaneous hemorrhages presenting as small purple or red spots on the skin. Characteristic of asphyxia by external force.
—Strangulation: Asphyxia characterized by closure of the air passage or vessels of the neck as a result of external pressure.
—Suffocation:
