The recovery position is a specialized first aid technique designed to safely position an unconscious person who is still breathing. This posture protects the individual’s airway, ensuring clear breathing and reducing the risk of complications while awaiting professional medical assistance. It is a fundamental skill in emergency care.
Key Reasons for Using the Recovery Position
Placing an unconscious person in the recovery position primarily helps maintain an open airway. When unconscious, muscle tone relaxes, including that of the tongue. In a supine (lying on the back) position, the tongue can fall backward and obstruct the throat, hindering breathing. The recovery position, by placing the person on their side with the head tilted, allows gravity to pull the tongue forward, preventing this obstruction.
This position also prevents aspiration, which occurs when fluids or stomach contents enter the lungs. Unconscious individuals are at risk of regurgitating vomit, saliva, or blood. The side-lying posture, with the mouth directed downwards, enables these fluids to drain out, reducing the chance of them entering the lungs. Aspiration can lead to serious conditions like aspiration pneumonia.
Identifying When to Use the Recovery Position
The recovery position is appropriate for individuals who are unconscious but breathing normally. Before using this position, confirm the person is unresponsive but has regular, effective breathing. If a person is not breathing or is breathing abnormally (e.g., gasping), immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is necessary instead.
Assess for potential injuries before moving someone into the recovery position. Do not use the position if there is a suspected spinal, head, or severe neck injury, as moving the person could worsen their condition. In such cases, keep the person still and await emergency medical services, unless their airway is compromised and movement is the only way to open it.
Safe Application of the Recovery Position
To place someone in the recovery position:
Kneel at the person’s side and ensure their legs are straight.
Extend the arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body, palm facing upwards.
Bring their other arm across their chest and place the back of their hand against the cheek nearest to you, holding it in place.
With your other hand, bend the person’s far knee, pulling it up so their foot is flat on the floor.
While supporting their head and the hand on their cheek, gently pull on the bent knee to roll the person towards you onto their side.
Once rolled, adjust the bent leg so their hip and knee are at right angles, providing stability.
Gently tilt their head back to ensure the airway remains open and adjust the hand under their cheek to maintain this position, allowing fluids to drain freely from the mouth.
Important Considerations and Ongoing Monitoring
After placing an individual in the recovery position, continuous monitoring is necessary until professional medical help arrives. Regularly check their breathing, pulse, and responsiveness. Observe for any changes in their condition, such as slowed or labored breathing, and be prepared to act if their condition deteriorates, including initiating CPR if they stop breathing.
If emergency services are delayed, turn the person to the opposite side every 30 minutes to relieve pressure on the lower arm and body. Do not attempt to move someone with a suspected spinal injury unless absolutely necessary to clear their airway.