[zot]

In the long drop hanging (like this one) the broken neck is also accompanied by a separation of the spinal chord, at the C-1--C-4 level, from the brain, which results in immediate unconsciousness. From that moment on, asphyxiation finishes the victim.

And the executioners put a plastic sleeve over the knot, with a large flange against the head, to amplify the torsion and thus ensure the spinal chord was severed. That is absolutely lethal, with or without asphyxiation.

[freepersup]

From the gallows pre hanging image, I see what appears to be a piece of pipe inside the knot, with the noose rope running thru it. From another site today, an eyewitness described this technical aspect (being used) as to prevent the knot from hanging up on the noose rope. A very pro job, in his words. Granted, the knot is stiffened further as a byproduct of the insertion of the pipe. As to a flange base, I am uninformed (until now.)