The Dangers of Prone Positioning and Compression Asphyxia
Time and time again, we’ve seen the dangers of prone positioning play out before our very eyes, either from police officers’ body camera footage or from cell phone footage taken by concerned citizens. Deaths that happen during police confrontations are often described as unavoidable or sudden, but the medicine just doesn’t back that up. Your next call should be to an asphyxia and restraint attorney in California.
At the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo, we have helped many clients who have had their lives forever changed by aggressive police handling. Some have been the victims of excessive force, while others have lost loved ones to mishandling by police and correctional officers. Attorney Dale K. Galipo has committed his career and legacy to civil rights issues, advocating for clients who have been failed by the government and its agencies. Learn more about your next steps by talking with an asphyxia and restraint lawyer—just call us at 818-347-3333.
What is Prone Positioning?
Prone positioning occurs when an individual is restrained in a face-down position, generally with their hands cuffed behind their back. This prevents them from being able to push up off the ground in a way that would alleviate pressure on their chest. Law enforcement officers often use this position to restrain those who appear to be resisting arrest or in the throes of a mental health crisis. In some of the cases we see at our asphyxia and restraint law firm, officers apply more force by kneeling on or pressing down on the individual’s back or neck.
Officers who use this position claim that it’s necessary to control an out-of-control individual. But medical research has shown time and time again that this position is not safe. Since at least 1995, researchers have known that prone positioning can dangerously limit breathing, leading to recommendations that individuals be turned onto their side after being handcuffed.
Understanding Compression Asphyxia
Many of the cases handled by our asphyxia and restraint attorneys involve compression asphyxia. This occurs when there’s pressure on the chest, back, or abdomen that makes it harder for someone to breathe. The airway itself may be clear, but because the chest and diaphragm can’t expand, the person cannot get enough air.
A prone position can quickly become deadly when there’s extra weight applied to the back or torso, handcuffs preventing a person from getting into a better position for breathing, and no change in positioning for an extended period of time.
Perhaps one of the worst parts of compression asphyxia is that it isn’t always a sudden and dramatic danger—the person may experience a gradual drop in oxygen levels until their heart stops. Police officers, who are often not trained to recognize respiratory distress, may not even recognize it until the person has already passed away.
The Myth of Excited Delirium
The most insulting part of all of this is the pervasive myth of “excited delirium.” Despite both the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association rejecting it as a real medical condition, it continues to be an excuse for police officers to excuse excessive force.
Excited delirium is an alleged condition that involves someone who is either in a mental health crisis or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They allegedly show superhuman strength when officers attempt to restrain them. After being restrained, they pass away from the condition of excited delirium, not the restraint itself.
There’s minimal evidence to back this up. Despite the weak evidence supporting it, the myth continues. California has passed a bill banning the term excited delirium as a diagnosis, with other states expected to follow suit.
Warning Signs Often Ignored
Asphyxia and restraint lawyers have seen too many times how police officers can be completely unaware of the warning signs of asphyxiation, which include:
- Statements like “I can’t breathe,” which police officers may wave away as someone just trying to get out of handcuffs
- Weak struggling
- Complete loss of movement
- Gurgling or gasping sounds
- Unconsciousness
This is a very real issue that highlights gaps in police officers’ training and knowledge, as well as a general lack of understanding of how the human body functions. It is crucial that victims get the justice, answers, and closure they need.
Choose the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo for the Advocacy You Deserve
Our asphyxia and restraint law firm is committed to helping individuals like you get answers after police overreach leaves you or your loved one injured. Find out what the next step in your case is by contacting us online or calling us at 818-347-3333.
