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By London Security College
Positional Asphyxia in Security
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Positional Asphyxia in Security: Risks, Prevention & Essential SIA Training Tips
What is Positional Asphyxia?
Positional asphyxia occurs when a person’s body position restricts their ability to breathe, leading to oxygen deprivation. This risk is most common in security settings during physical restraint, control techniques, and crowd management—making it a crucial topic for door supervisors, security officers, and SIA trainees.
Understanding the Risks of Positional Asphyxia in Security
Security professionals may need to restrain individuals in nightclubs, bars, retail settings, and events.
However, specific restraint techniques increase the risk of positional asphyxia, including:
1. Prone Restraint (Face-Down)
- The most dangerous position, as it compresses the chest and restricts breathing.
- Risk increases if the restrained person is intoxicated, overweight, or in distress.
2. Pressure on the Neck, Chest, or Back
- Holding or kneeling on these areas can obstruct airflowand lead to rapid oxygen deprivation.
3. Confined Spaces & Sudden Collapses
- Holding individuals in small spaces, such as security holding rooms or between crowds, can limit their ability to breathe freely.
- Someone who has collapsed due to alcohol, drugs, or panic attacksmay already have compromised breathing—forcing them into a restrictive position makes things worse.
4. Extended Restraint Periods
- Holding an individual for more than a few minuteswithout monitoring their breathing can be fatal.
How Does Positional Asphyxia Occur?
Positional asphyxia can happen in seconds to minutes if a person’s airway or chest movement is restricted.
Key Signs of Distress:
✔ Gasping for air or difficulty breathing
✔ Inability to speak clearly
✔ Bluish skin (cyanosis)
✔ Weakening or no response
✔ Vomiting, choking, or gurgling sounds
If these signs occur, release restraint immediately and seek medical help.
SIA Training and Exam Tips on Positional Asphyxia
If you’re preparing for SIA security training or exams, understanding positional asphyxia is essential. Here are some exam-ready points and real-world applications:
Definition: Positional asphyxia occurs when body position restricts breathing, leading to oxygen deprivation and possible death.
Key Risks: Face-down restraint, chest compression, excessive pressure on the neck or back, and lack of monitoring.
Prevention:
- Never restrain a person face-down (prone position).
- Use the least force necessary.
- Monitor breathing and responsiveness at all times.
- Move individuals to a seated or recovery position quickly.
SIA Exam Tip:
You may be asked how to safely restrain an aggressive person without causing positional asphyxia. The correct approach is to:
1️⃣ Use de-escalation techniques first (verbal control).
2️⃣ If restraint is necessary, avoid face-down positions.
3️⃣ Continuously check the person’s condition.
3. Monitor Breathing and Consciousness
- Ask the individual if they can breatheand watch for signs of distress.
- If the person is struggling or stops responding, release them immediatelyand check for a pulse.
4. Use Proper Restraint Techniques
- Control limbs instead of pinning the torso.
- Use team tactics—never restrain someone alone if avoidable.
- Communicate with your teamto assess the situation.
How to Minimise the Risk of Positional Asphyxia in Security Work
1. Recognise High-Risk Individuals
Some people are more vulnerable to positional asphyxia, including:
✔ Intoxicated individuals (alcohol or drugs)
✔ Overweight individuals
✔ Those with breathing conditions (asthma, heart issues)
✔ Individuals experiencing panic attacks or shock
2. Use Safe Restraint Techniques
- Control arms and legs instead of compressing the torso.
- Work as a team—never restrain someone alone if avoidable.
- If restraint is unavoidable, keep the person upright or on their side.
3. Monitor and Provide First Aid
- If a restrained person becomes unresponsive, release pressure immediately.
- If they stop breathing, perform CPR and call emergency services.
Legal and Professional Consequences
Security professionals can face serious legal consequences if a person dies due to positional asphyxia:
❌ Criminal charges: Manslaughter, assault, negligence
❌ Loss of SIA License: Failure to follow safe restraint procedures can permanently disqualify you from security work
❌ Lawsuits: Families of victims can sue for wrongful death
SIA Exam Tip: Always prioritise duty of care—your security officer or door supervisor role is to protect, not harm.
Case Studies: Real-Life Incidents in the UK
Case 1: Bouncer Convicted for Manslaughter (2017)
A door supervisor was convicted of manslaughter after restraining an intoxicated man face-down outside a club. The customer lost consciousness and died due to positional asphyxia. The bouncer failed to monitor breathing and used excessive force.
Case 2: Police Restraint Death (2020)
A man died after being restrained by multiple officers in a face-down position for several minutes. The coroner ruled positional asphyxia as the cause of death, leading to a significant review of restraint procedures.
Key Lesson: Restraint should be a last resort—de-escalation techniques are always the best approach.
Essential Takeaways for Security Officers and Door Supervisors
Positional asphyxia is a serious but preventable risk in security work. Whether you’re an SIA trainee, a licensed security officer, or a door supervisor, you must:
✔ Understand what positional asphyxia is and how it happens
✔ Learn and follow SIA-approved restraint techniques
✔ Prioritise safety over force—de-escalation is key
✔ Be aware of vulnerable individuals and avoid risky restraint positions
✔ Monitor breathing and response during any physical intervention
By applying these best practices, you reduce the risk of fatalities and protect your career, reputation, and the people you are responsible for.
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