North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What does positional asphyxiation refer to?

1. Unusual body positions during sleep

2. Position of an individual that restricts breathing

3. A method of restraint

4. A type of choking hazard

The correct answer is: Position of an individual that restricts breathing

Positional asphyxiation specifically refers to a situation where the position of an individual's body interferes with their ability to breathe effectively. This can occur when a person's body is placed in a way that obstructs the airway, often due to the compression of the chest or the neck. For example, a person may be rendered unable to breathe properly if they are pinned down or resting in a position that allows their body weight to hinder respiratory function. The phenomenon underscores the importance of monitoring individuals in certain positions, particularly those being restrained or under duress, to prevent serious health consequences like suffocation. In contrast, unusual body positions during sleep may not directly relate to breathing difficulties, and the term "a method of restraint" does not inherently include the aspect of asphyxiation. Similarly, while there can be choking hazards that are related to airway obstruction, they are generally not categorized as positional asphyxiation, which is specifically about the impact of position on the ability to breathe. Thus, the correct response accurately defines the concept and its implications in a law enforcement context.