Plastic Bag Asphyxia in Southeast Scotland

• DOI: 10.1097/00000433-200012000-00021
• Publication Date: 2003-04-17T17:51:46Z
• Authors: L. S Jones; J. P. Wyatt; A. Busuttil
• Keywords: Accidental

Death resulting from plastic bag asphyxia has been recognized for >40 years, but relatively little is known about either its epidemiology or pathophysiology. Over 15 years (1984-1998), 30 deaths were attributed to among the 14,560 autopsies performed in Forensic Medicine Unit Edinburgh. These involved 20 male and 10 female subjects, with an age range of 13 81 years. Eleven had some alcohol measurable blood, four having levels >80 mg/dl. Only one individual appeared have ingested a drug overdose, inhaled substances within may contributed death five cases. The absence childhood accidental reflect successful preventive measures. 3 adults (including 2 who died autoerotic asphyxia), remaining 27 suicides. Of those committed suicide, most (59%) chronic psychiatric illness rather than debilitating terminal physical illness. In contrast reports United States, publicity associated "self-deliverance" did not result increased number (4 this series). Analysis circumstances all revealed them be difficult predict hence prevent.