When a New York subway passenger used a chokehold to murder 30-year-old homeless man Jordan Neely, he was so dangerous that many neurologists should not be allowed in law enforcement. We used technology to warn
A chokehold or stranglehold is also known as a neck squeeze that involves applying pressure to both sides of the neck. They are permitted in some martial arts competitions, and certain U.S. military personnel in ground combat units may learn to apply chokeholds and associated safe releases in training.
In recent years, however, police have increasingly banned the use of chokeholds, following incidents such as the deaths of Eric Garner and George Floyd.
There is little data on how often police used holds or what the consequences were. Among the few studies one .
No deaths have been recorded from the use of holds by that department, but neurologists say the danger of neck compression is indisputable.
Dr. Altaf Saadi, a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, explained that strangulation and strangulation can cause brain damage in two ways. They compress the trachea and prevent air from entering the lungs. Also, the carotid arteries are located on both sides of the neck and are adjacent to the trachea. 70% of his blood going to his brain goes through the carotid artery, Dr. Saadi said. When that blood flow is interrupted with a choke hold or strangulation hold, some people lose consciousness within 3 to 4 seconds. If the flow continues to be restricted, a person can die within 3-4 minutes.
Dr. Saadi said that if a person loses consciousness, it indicates possible brain damage.
Even if a person does not lose consciousness, a chokehold can cause a stroke or permanent brain damage, including cognitive impairment.
People with cardiovascular disease are particularly susceptible to brain damage as a result of neck compression.
and paperIn a paper published in JAMA Neurology in 2020, Dr. Saadi and colleagues wrote:
The American Academy of Neurology has adamantly opposed neck compression. In its policy paper, the organization states that its mantra for the field is “time is the brain.” This means that brain tissue dies rapidly when blood flow stops. Note that neurons die.
and statement of positionthe group wrote that such techniques were “inherently dangerous” and urged all law enforcement officials and policy makers to “at least classify neck restraints as a form of lethal force.” strongly encouraged to do so.
The group added a recommended ban on this technique “because there is no training volume or application of neck restraints that can reduce the risk of death or permanent severe neurological damage from this procedure.”
Oliver Wang contributed to the report.
