Situations when this may occur:

• Rope is too tight around the abdomen or chest, particularly if it is on both at the same time.
• Body position is such that it restricts normal breathing. This is also called ‘positional asphyxia’.
• Pregnancy
• Asthma
• Mental conditions such as Anxiety or Panic Disorder
• Upper respiratory illness (cold, flu, covid-19, etc.)

Ways to mitigate:

• Monitor closely for signs of breathing distress, or difficulty speaking.
• Do not combine a tight chest harness with a waist or hip harness that applies excessive pressure across the abdomen. Make sure at least one of the two is loose enough to allow comfortable breathing.
• Reduce pressure on the front of the body (e.g. If doing a Hog Tie, lay your partner on a soft surface or on their side, perhaps supported by pillows)