What can be the consequences of strangulation?
The consequences of strangulation depend strongly on the duration and intensity of the strangulation. The break of the neck occurs only if there is a very strong traction force. This case is atypical in the strangulation of children.
Babies are more at risk of a neck fracture because the neck muscles are still weak. The greatest danger during strangulation is primarily the impression of the neck arteries. Just a few kilograms of traction are sufficient to pull off the cervical arteries (carotid artery).
The child loses consciousness after only 8-12 seconds. This is because the brain is no longer supplied with sufficient blood. After a few minutes, brain damage sets in.
The constriction of the airways is also dangerous. This means that by constricting the windpipe, the oxygen content in the lungs decreases. As a result, less oxygen is absorbed into the blood through the lungs.
After about 60 seconds, the heart rate rises, the concentration of CO2 in the blood increases and there is a feeling of severe shortness of breath. After about 90 seconds, unconsciousness occurs. The oxygen content in the blood is so low that the brain is severely undersupplied.
This can also lead to uncontrolled urine leakage. After about 150 seconds, cardiac arrhythmia occurs and so-called “terminal gasping” begins. The lack of oxygen is extremely harmful to the brain.
After 2-3 minutes, the oxygen deficiency causes irreversible damage to the brain. This means that the damage cannot be reversed. After about 8-10 minutes, brain death sets in.
However, this describes the worst case, namely when the windpipe is completely closed. With lighter strangulations, there may only be so-called strand marks. These are strangulation marks on the neck caused by the rope or cord. Depending on the material, abrasions or incisions in the skin may also occur.
How do I behave correctly in case of strangulation?
If strangulation occurs, it is important to react quickly. One should immediately loosen the object that has wrapped itself around the child’s neck. If possible, the rescue service should be called at the same time if the strangulation is longer or more severe.
If you cannot loosen the object with your hands, you should try to cut it carefully with scissors. It is also advisable to move the neck as little as possible. If the neck is broken, you should do as little damage as possible.
Then the baby or child should be placed on its back on a flat surface. Now the chin can be lifted slightly to widen the airways. Then you should hold the ear over the baby’s mouth and nose and listen for breathing sounds.
If the child is not breathing, resuscitation should be started. If it was only a short wrapping around the neck without restricted air supply, one only has to take care of possible wounds on the neck.
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