Similar narrow definitions of mechanical asphyxia have occurred in Azmaks 2006 literature review of asphyxial deaths and Oehmichen and Auers 2005 book on forensic neuropathology. According to DiMaio and DiMaio, mechanical asphyxia encompasses positional asphyxia, traumatic asphyxia, and "human pile" deaths.In Shkrum and Ramsays 2007 textbook on forensic pathology, mechanical asphyxia occurs when any mechanical means cause interference with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. Similar broad definitions of mechanical asphyxia have occurred in Saukko and Knights 2004 book on asphyxia, and Dolinak and Matshes 2005 book on forensic pathology. According to Shkrum and Ramsay, mechanical asphyxia encompasses smothering, choking, positional asphyxia, traumatic asphyxia, wedging, strangulation and drowning.Sauvageau and Boghossian propose in 2010 that mechanical asphyxia should be officially defined as caused by "restriction of respiratory movements, either by the position of the body or by external chest compression", thus encompassing only positional asphyxia and traumatic asphyxia.First aid
If there are symptoms of mechanical asphyxia, it is necessary to call an Emergency Medical Services. In some countries, such as the US, there may also be self-acting groups of voluntary first responders who have been trained in first aid. In case of mechanical asphyxia, first aid can be provided on your own. In such a situation, you need to do the following:

Stand behind the affected person and wrap your arms around him/her. Push inwards and upwards under the ribs with a sudden movement by your second hand.
If the performed actions were not effective, repeat them until you free respiratory tract of the affected person from a foreign body. See also
Asphyxiant gas – Nontoxic or minimally toxic gas which can displace oxygen in breathing air
Erotic asphyxiation – Intentional restriction of oxygen to the brain for sexual arousal
Hypercapnia – Abnormally high tissue carbon dioxide levels
Respiratory acidosis – Medical condition

References
Further reading
External links

 Media related to Asphyxia at Wikimedia Commons
Cross-side to chest compression choke