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Wednesday, August 20, 2025

What to do if someone is suffocating from a plastic bag or strangulation?


When someone is suffocating from a plastic bag over the head or strangulation, the priority is to restore their airway and breathing immediately while protecting them from further harm. Both situations are life-threatening emergencies.


1. Ensure your own safety

  • Quickly assess the situation and make sure it’s safe for you to intervene.

  • If there is an attacker, call for help and prioritize your safety.


2. Call emergency services immediately

  • Dial your local emergency number without delay.

  • Explain the cause (plastic bag suffocation or strangulation) because it affects medical response.


3. Remove the cause of suffocation

  • Plastic bag:

    • Tear or cut open the bag immediately and remove it from the head.

    • Ensure fresh air circulation.

  • Strangulation (rope, hands, clothing, etc.):

    • Loosen or cut the constricting object.

    • Be very careful if cutting around the neck (use blunt-tipped scissors if available).


4. Check responsiveness and breathing

  • If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally → begin CPR immediately.

  • If the person is breathing but unconscious → place them in the recovery position to maintain an open airway.

  • If the person is struggling to breathe → reassure them, keep airway clear, and monitor closely until help arrives.


5. Provide supportive care

  • Loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest.

  • If conscious, encourage slow, deep breaths.

  • If available and trained, give oxygen.

  • Treat visible injuries (cuts, swelling, bruises). Apply cold packs gently to the neck if swelling is present.


6. Watch for delayed complications

Even if the person seems to recover:

  • Strangulation can cause internal swelling of the airway, bruising, or brain injury from lack of oxygen.

  • Plastic bag suffocation can lead to carbon dioxide buildup and brain damage.

  • Always seek urgent hospital evaluation.


7. Do not

  • Do not leave the person alone, even if they appear better.

  • Do not give them food or drink in case of airway swelling or unconsciousness.

  • Do not assume recovery means safety—oxygen deprivation can have hidden consequences.



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