What Happens to the Body During a Stampede? Understanding Traumatic Asphyxia

Crushing Force: In stampedes, people are pushed and compressed against each other or solid structures, exerting extreme pressure on the chest and abdomen.

Inability to Breathe: The immense force prevents the lungs from expanding, making it impossible to inhale or exhale properly.

Oxygen Deprivation: With restricted breathing, oxygen levels in the blood drop rapidly, leading to suffocation.

Brain Damage: The lack of oxygen can cause severe brain damage within minutes, leading to unconsciousness and death.

Heart Failure: Increased pressure on the chest can also compress the heart, disrupting blood circulation and causing cardiac arrest.

Ruptured Blood Vessels: Extreme pressure can rupture small blood vessels in the face and eyes, leading to purple or blue discoloration (petechiae).

Rapid Fatality: Death can occur within minutes if the pressure is not relieved, making stampedes extremely dangerous.

Can Traumatic Asphyxia Be Prevented? & How Does It Occur in a Stampede?