What is defined as suffocation?

Suffocation is primarily defined as a condition in which oxygen fails to reach the blood, leading to a lack of oxygen for the body's tissues. This can occur due to various reasons, such as airway obstruction, choking, or significant environmental factors like drowning or being in an unventilated space. When oxygen is not delivered to the bloodstream, the body cannot function properly, which can ultimately result in unconsciousness or death if not remedied quickly.

The other options describe different situations that may impact breathing but do not capture the essence of what suffocation specifically entails. For instance, inhibited breathing due to external pressure refers more to asphyxia, while a dry throat leading to loss of consciousness is not a direct description of suffocation. Similarly, the inability to perform CPR effectively relates to a failure in executing life-saving procedures rather than defining suffocation itself. Understanding suffocation in the context of oxygen deprivation provides vital knowledge for responding to emergencies involving airway obstruction.