Chokeholds and their deadly consequences A medical perspective

The use of chokeholds by law enforcement has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, with many medical professionals speaking out against the practice as a deadly and dangerous use of force. While some may argue that chokeholds are necessary for subduing suspects, doctors warn that the potential consequences of using such tactics are far too great to justify their continued use.

Chokeholds involve applying pressure to the neck, which can restrict blood flow and oxygen to the brain, leading to unconsciousness or even death. Even when used correctly, chokeholds can cause serious injury or death due to the risk of cutting off the airway or damaging the spine.

Furthermore, the use of chokeholds is particularly dangerous when applied to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In these cases, the risk of serious injury or death is even greater.

The American Medical Association has declared that chokeholds are “inherently dangerous and have no place in modern policing.” Many doctors have echoed this sentiment, citing the potential for serious harm or death as evidence that chokeholds should be banned outright.

The use of chokeholds also raises ethical concerns. The disproportionate use of force against communities of color has led to widespread mistrust of law enforcement, and the use of potentially deadly tactics like chokeholds only exacerbates this problem. The ethical standards that govern law enforcement require that force be used only as a last resort, and only when necessary to protect the safety of officers or others.

Despite these concerns, some law enforcement agencies continue to use chokeholds as a means of subduing suspects. This is unacceptable, and medical professionals and activists alike are calling for stricter regulations and training for law enforcement officers to prevent the unnecessary use of force.

The deaths of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, both of whom were killed by police officers using neck restraints, have once again brought the issue of chokeholds to the forefront of national discussion. These tragedies highlight the urgent need for action to be taken to address the systemic issues that have led to the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers.

Many states and municipalities have taken steps to ban the use of chokeholds by law enforcement officers, including New York State’s Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the use of chokeholds is banned nationwide.

It is clear that the use of chokeholds as a means of subduing suspects is a dangerous and potentially lethal practice that must be banned. Medical professionals warn of the potentially deadly consequences of using such tactics, and the ethical standards that govern law enforcement require that force be used only when necessary to protect the safety of officers or others.

As medical professionals and activists continue to speak out against the use of chokeholds, it is up to policymakers and law enforcement officials to take action to ensure that these deadly tactics are no longer used. Only by working together to create safer and more just communities can we begin to address the systemic issues that have led to the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers.