1. Autoerotic Asphyxia
Obtaining sexual excitement from hypoxia (lack of oxygen - hypoxyphilia).
Near strangulation or suffocation (usually while engaged in masturbation).
Believed to enhance sensation and orgasim intensity.

2. Autoerotic Death Death due to “suspected” autoerotic asphyxiation
Refers to an unanticipated death as a result of participating in this sexual activity.

3. Typical Autoerotic Asphyxiation
Denotes ligature asphyxiation due to some type of binding around the neck.
Typically there is an escape strategy or release mechanism to be used before losing consciousness.
Difficulty is determining if the deceased intended to commit suicide.

4. Atypical Autoerotic Asphyxiation
Does not involve ligature binding around the neck.
They achieve sexual gratification by other means, such as plastic bags covering the head; facemasks; compression of the chest or abdomen; submerging face into water.

5. Autoerotic Death Recorded numbers of death are estimated.
250 – 1200 in “North America”
Distressed family members who may discover the deceased in a “compromised” condition may feel the need to alter the situation. (To make it look like a suicide or homicide.)

6. Autoerotic Death Primary “victims” of Autoerotic Deaths are:
White, Young, Middle-class, Unmarried Males.
30% are found nude.
25% are found wearing women’s clothing.
Often times, pornographic materials and sexual aids are present.

7. “The Choking Game” Adolescents
Participants obstruct normal flow to the brain (cerebral hypoxia – low oxygen to the brain), to achieve a brief euphoric state.
There is a rush of blood flow to the brain when the obstruction is removed.
Usually not done for autoerotic purposes.
Practice often results in a loss of consciousness and occasionally death.

8. “The Choking Game” Also known as:
Black Hole, Suffocation Roulette, Space Cowboy, California High, Blackout, Airplaning, Sleep-holder, Rising Sun, Flat-lining, Funky Chicken and Space Monkey.
The deceased individual was not intending to die.
2008 Reported 82 “Choking Game” deaths. Prevalent among 9 – 15 year olds.
2:1 Ratio of Males to Females.

9. End