Through dissecting donated human cadavers, some of which have been plastinated, Dr von Hagens demonstrates how blocking or damaging the airways can cause irreversible harm to the body and cause death in a matter of minutes.
He also shows how such outcomes can be avoided by taking sometimes drastic measures; for example, by creating an artificial airway when the windpipe is otherwise blocked.
The presenters investigate natural spasms that can affect breathing under certain conditions, such as drowning. And they demonstrate how such natural reflexes can sometimes be used to help save a patient.
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