Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

A suicide by hanging most likely results in what type of injury?

1. Distraction of the upper cervical spine

2. Cervical vertebral fracture

3. Subdural hematoma

4. Thoracic spine injury

The correct answer is: Distraction of the upper cervical spine

A suicide by hanging typically results in distraction of the upper cervical spine, which occurs due to the forces exerted on the neck during the hanging process. This type of injury involves the separation of vertebrae and can result in instability of the cervical spine. The mechanism of injury primarily causes hyperextension and distraction forces on the upper cervical vertebrae, leading to damage in that area. In cases of hanging, the significant weight and gravitational forces can create substantial traction on the neck, which often leads to upper cervical spine injuries. Distraction injuries can severely affect the spinal cord, potentially leading to neurological damage. While cervical vertebral fractures can also occur in hanging incidents, they are more commonly associated with different mechanisms of injury, such as high-speed trauma or impacts. Subdural hematomas typically arise from blunt force trauma resulting in tearing of blood vessels in the brain, which is not a primary concern in hanging. Thoracic spine injuries are less likely as the focus of injury in hanging is concentrated in the cervical region due to the tightening of the noose and the pull on the neck.