Ohio Security Guard License Practice Exam

What is the definition of positional asphyxia?

1. When the position of the body interferes with its ability to breathe

2. When someone faints and falls to the ground

3. When the position of the body doesn’t allow the subject to move freely

4. When it becomes difficult to breathe

The correct answer is: When the position of the body interferes with its ability to breathe

Positional asphyxia occurs specifically when the positioning of the body restricts airflow, making it difficult or impossible for an individual to breathe properly. This often happens in circumstances where a person's body is placed in a position that compresses the chest or constricts airflow to the lungs, such as being pinned down or trapped in a way that limits their ability to expand their chest or move their diaphragm. This definition highlights the direct link between body position and the ability to breathe, which is central to understanding how positional asphyxia can arise in various situations, particularly in security-related incidents where restraint may be involved. While some of the other options touch on aspects related to breathing difficulties or mobility, they do not encapsulate the specific relationship between body position and respiratory function as clearly as the definition of positional asphyxia does.