Positional asphyxia (postural asphyxia) is seen in all of the following situations EXCEPT:

• A Inverted position with legs tied to a tree and head hanging down
• B Head-down position in intoxicated individuals who fall into a narrow space
• C Prone position with arms restrained behind the back in a police restraint scenario
• D Smothering of an infant with a soft pillow placed over the face ✓

Explanation

Positional (postural) asphyxia occurs when body position compromises breathing — diaphragmatic movement is restricted, or blood pools in dependent extremities reducing venous return to a degree that impairs cardiac output, combined with respiratory compromise. Inverted position, head-down position in narrow spaces, and prone restraint position ('excited delirium' or 'restraint asphyxia') all qualify as positional asphyxia. Smothering with a pillow is a distinct mechanism — mechanical obstruction of the nose and mouth — classified as smothering or suffocation, not positional asphyxia.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.