Prone Restraint Cardiac Arrest: Why Subjects Die in the Prone Position

There is current controversy regarding the role of positional asphyxia as the primary factor for restraint-associated mortality. We will review scientific literature articles on the impact of prone restraint on respiratory physiology and cardiac output. We will learn why a certain population of agitated subjects are at risk of death from prone restraint. This is an important topic to understand as, ultimately, prone restraint can lead to death and often a litigious case. This presentation will further educate the police community regarding the possible causes of death in prone restraint. The presentation will lead to awareness, important discussion/debate, and further future study.