Understanding the Risks and Realities of Prone Restraint Deaths
Fri Jan 23 2026
The Guardian Mindset Podcast, hosted by Attorney Eric Daigle, discusses the critical issues surrounding prone restraint deaths, moving beyond outdated notions of positional asphyxia to focus on metabolic acidosis and its implications. This episode’s guest, Geoffrey Thor Desmoulin, Ph.D., R.Kin., P.L.Eng., of GTD Scientific, emphasizes the need to recognize the complexities of physiology, biomechanics, and the law when addressing these incidents.
Key Takeaways:
The concept of positional asphyxia is outdated; metabolic acidosis is a more relevant explanation for prone restraint deaths.
Officers should recognize key risk factors such as obesity, drug use, anxiety, and prolonged struggle to identify individuals at risk.
Time is critical; quicker restraints can mitigate risks associated with metabolic acidosis.
Recovery positions should be encouraged, but sitting up is optimal for breathing efficiency.
Collaboration between law enforcement, medical personnel, and researchers is essential for effective training and response protocols.
Metabolic Acidosis vs. Positional Asphyxia
Dr. Desmoulin explains that metabolic acidosis, characterized by the buildup of carbon dioxide in the body, is a more accurate explanation for deaths during prone restraint. This condition arises when individuals struggle against restraint, inhibiting their ability to breathe efficiently. He points out that conventional beliefs about weight on the back being inconsequential are misguided, as the physiological realities on the ground differ significantly from research findings.
Identifying Risk Factors
Key risk factors for officers to recognize include obesity, drug use, anxiety, and prolonged struggle. The podcast highlights that these factors compound the risk of deterioration in restrained individuals. The discussion underscores the importance of early recognition of these signs, advocating for a swift response that prioritizes medical assistance when necessary.
The Importance of Time and Recovery Positions
Dr. Desmoulin stresses the critical nature of time in managing restrained individuals. The faster officers can restrain a subject and transition them to a recovery position, ideally sitting up, the better their chances of preventing a metabolic crisis. While recovery positions are useful, sitting upright is deemed most effective for breathing.
Collaboration for Better Outcomes
Finally, the conversation highlights the need for law enforcement agencies to collaborate with medical professionals and researchers. This partnership is vital for developing training protocols that ensure officers are equipped to handle individuals in crisis effectively. By improving communication and understanding across these fields, they can enhance public safety and reduce the tragic outcomes associated with prone restraint incidents.
Chapters
(00:00:00) - Guardian Mindset: Posed Restraint Deaths(00:01:56) - Deadliest Warrior: The Law Enforcement Host(00:04:15) - The Use of Force: Explained(00:07:04) - What Do Most People Get Wrong About Praying Deaths?(00:10:04) - metabolic acidosis(00:13:38) - Risk Factors for Police on the Street(00:15:48) - Obesity and prone Restraint(00:20:09) - Critical Variables in Point Restraint(00:26:58) - Why Does Continuing to Struggle After Cuffing Matter?(00:31:29) - The Use of Force in Custody(00:34:06) - Discipline in the Police Training
More
The Guardian Mindset Podcast, hosted by Attorney Eric Daigle, discusses the critical issues surrounding prone restraint deaths, moving beyond outdated notions of positional asphyxia to focus on metabolic acidosis and its implications. This episode’s guest, Geoffrey Thor Desmoulin, Ph.D., R.Kin., P.L.Eng., of GTD Scientific, emphasizes the need to recognize the complexities of physiology, biomechanics, and the law when addressing these incidents. Key Takeaways: The concept of positional asphyxia is outdated; metabolic acidosis is a more relevant explanation for prone restraint deaths. Officers should recognize key risk factors such as obesity, drug use, anxiety, and prolonged struggle to identify individuals at risk. Time is critical; quicker restraints can mitigate risks associated with metabolic acidosis. Recovery positions should be encouraged, but sitting up is optimal for breathing efficiency. Collaboration between law enforcement, medical personnel, and researchers is essential for effective training and response protocols. Metabolic Acidosis vs. Positional Asphyxia Dr. Desmoulin explains that metabolic acidosis, characterized by the buildup of carbon dioxide in the body, is a more accurate explanation for deaths during prone restraint. This condition arises when individuals struggle against restraint, inhibiting their ability to breathe efficiently. He points out that conventional beliefs about weight on the back being inconsequential are misguided, as the physiological realities on the ground differ significantly from research findings. Identifying Risk Factors Key risk factors for officers to recognize include obesity, drug use, anxiety, and prolonged struggle. The podcast highlights that these factors compound the risk of deterioration in restrained individuals. The discussion underscores the importance of early recognition of these signs, advocating for a swift response that prioritizes medical assistance when necessary. The Importance of Time and Recovery Positions Dr. Desmoulin stresses the critical nature of time in managing restrained individuals. The faster officers can restrain a subject and transition them to a recovery position, ideally sitting up, the better their chances of preventing a metabolic crisis. While recovery positions are useful, sitting upright is deemed most effective for breathing. Collaboration for Better Outcomes Finally, the conversation highlights the need for law enforcement agencies to collaborate with medical professionals and researchers. This partnership is vital for developing training protocols that ensure officers are equipped to handle individuals in crisis effectively. By improving communication and understanding across these fields, they can enhance public safety and reduce the tragic outcomes associated with prone restraint incidents. Chapters (00:00:00) - Guardian Mindset: Posed Restraint Deaths(00:01:56) - Deadliest Warrior: The Law Enforcement Host(00:04:15) - The Use of Force: Explained(00:07:04) - What Do Most People Get Wrong About Praying Deaths?(00:10:04) - metabolic acidosis(00:13:38) - Risk Factors for Police on the Street(00:15:48) - Obesity and prone Restraint(00:20:09) - Critical Variables in Point Restraint(00:26:58) - Why Does Continuing to Struggle After Cuffing Matter?(00:31:29) - The Use of Force in Custody(00:34:06) - Discipline in the Police Training