title: Strangulation forensic examination: best practice for health care providers.
abstract: Strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of interpersonal violence (IVP), yet it is often not reported and missed by the health care provider because of lack of visible injury. The victim of strangulation can have critical injuries and a late onset symptoms. Victims of IVP should be directly asked whether they were choked or whether during the assault they felt like they could not breathe because of pressure on their neck. The objective of this article is to summarize "best practice" for health care providers so that they are better prepared to care for victims who report a history of strangulation. A summary of how to perform a forensic examination of the strangled patient is provided along with important documentation takeaways and useful forms to ensure that the severity of the strangulation is assessed, that critical injuries are identified, and that all injuries and findings are accurately documented for legal proceedings.
authors.affiliation: Barbara 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.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Faugno
authors.forename: Daria
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Waszak
authors.forename: Gael B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Strack
authors.forename: Melodie Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Casey G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Gwinn
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017579:Domestic Violence; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D014481:United States