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Strangulation

What is Strangulation?

Not to be confused with “choking”, strangulation refers to when pressure is applied from the outside, cutting off airflow and/or blood vessels in the neck, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain. Choking, meanwhile, refers to a blockage inside the throat which makes it hard to breathe.

During an incidence of strangulation, closing off the airway makes breathing impossible, and a victim may lose consciousness due to the blocking of blood flow to and from the brain. Strangulation may obstruct the carotid arteries in the neck, depriving the brain of oxygen. Unconsciousness may also occur due to the blocking of the jugular veins which prevents deoxygenated blood from exiting the brain.

Strangulation may result in death, stroke, miscarriage if pregnant, brain damage, pneumonitis, heart attacks, delayed death (days or even weeks after the assault). Victims can be rendered unconscious in 10 seconds with only 4 pounds of pressure (less than the pressure it takes to pull the trigger on a pistol).

What is a Strangulation Forensic Nursing Exam?

This is a thorough medical examination done by a specialized certified Forensic Nurse trained in to perform the Forensic Medical Examination for Strangulation victim. This exam includes:

  1. The patient providing consent and continuing assent throughout the exam.
  2. The patient providing a medical history and a history of the assault so that the nurse is able to determine the medical care the patient requires.
  3. A head-to-toe nursing assessment, including vital signs. This will also include measurements and documentation of any signs and symptoms of strangulation that the patient may have had or are currently experiencing.
  4. If the patient consents then the nurse will take photo-documentation of the patient’s condition, clothing condition, and any injuries.
  5. If the patient consents then the nurse will take photo-documentation of the patient’s condition, clothing condition, and any injuries.
  6. The nurse will be able to determine if the patient needs to be seen by a physician in the ER for possible Imaging.
  7. The nurse will educate the patient on signs and symptoms that may occur, how to monitor in the days to come, where to find counseling, further medical assistance if required, and other resources for safety and/or other needs.

NOTE: Photographic documentation is taken using the SDFI system and stored with AES 256 Bit Encryption with Passphrase Protection. Photographs are not immediately shared with ANYONE! All photographs are considered evidence and requires a subpoena from a judge to be released to Law Enforcement or anyone else. We hold your privacy in our hands and take that seriously!