If someone put chloroform in a rag over your mouth and nose and you held your breath would it still ?

Question

knock you out

when i see it happen in movies and tv i always wonder if you could do that

Answer 1

it works so long as you can hold your breath or until you pass out, that's why I always use a knife

Answer 2

I think it would be very difficult.

I remember years ago, when a teen, this is the way I was put to sleep to have my tonsils removed.

I saw the rag coming and tried to hold my breath.  It did not work, and I still remember it was lights out almost instantly for me.

So based upon my personal experience, I would say, yes, it will knock you out.  

Answer 3

Well, if the assailant had any brains, he/she might check to see if you were really knocked out, or hold the rag on for a long time.

If you took a deep breath before the rag was applied, I think it would work (unless you pass out from lack of oxygen).  I don't think the chloroform will be absorbed through the skin too much, but I could be wrong.

Of course, taking the breath after the rag had been applied would just exacerbate the problem by letting your lungs absorb more chloroform.