Survival in hanging.

Although hanging is a popular means for suicides in India, the attempt frequently does not result in death. Of 12 cases of hanging, only one of which was accidental, seen at our institution during 1985-90, all but two victims survived. We present data indicating that hanging victims can be resuscitated even after prolonged periods of suspension and unconsciousness, and we discuss some of the reasons why asphyxiation by hanging may be delayed when there is no damage to the spinal cord.