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Strangulation forensic examination: best practice for health care providers
Diana Faugno1, Daria Waszak, Gael B Strack
1Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, Rancho Mirage, California (Ms Faugno); California Western School of Law, San Diego (Ms Strack); Family Justice Center Alliance, San Diego, California (Ms Strack and Mr Gwinn); and Forensic Consultant Services, LLC, Monroe, Michigan (Ms Brooks). Ms Waszak is a Freelance Nurse Writer.
Healthcare providers should directly ask interpersonal violence (IVP) survivors about strangulation, as it often lacks visible signs but can cause critical injuries. This guide outlines best practices for forensic examination and documentation of strangulation victims.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Public Health
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Strangulation is a dangerous form of interpersonal violence (IVP) frequently missed by healthcare providers due to the absence of visible injuries.
- Victims may present with delayed critical injuries and symptoms, necessitating proactive inquiry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize best practices for healthcare providers in managing strangulation victims.
- To improve the identification, assessment, and documentation of strangulation injuries.
Main Methods:
- Review of "best practice" guidelines for healthcare providers.
- Summary of forensic examination procedures for strangulation patients.
- Guidance on documentation and legal considerations.
Main Results:
- Direct questioning regarding choking or inability to breathe is crucial for identifying strangulation.
- Forensic examination and thorough documentation are essential for assessing severity and identifying critical injuries.
- Standardized forms aid in comprehensive assessment and legal proceedings.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers need specific protocols to effectively care for strangulation survivors.
- Early identification and meticulous documentation are vital for patient outcomes and legal support.
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