The recovery position is an important first aid technique used for individuals who are unconscious but still breathing. This specific body posture helps to protect the person’s airway and prevent serious complications while awaiting professional medical assistance.
The Purpose of the Recovery Position
The primary goals of placing someone in the recovery position are to maintain an open airway and prevent the aspiration of fluids. When a person becomes unconscious, the muscles in their throat and tongue relax, which can cause the tongue to fall backward and block the airway. This position helps to keep the airway clear, ensuring that air can flow freely into and out of the lungs.
Unconscious individuals are at risk of vomiting or regurgitating stomach contents. If lying on their back, these fluids could be inhaled into the lungs, leading to a serious condition called aspiration pneumonia. This technique is specifically indicated for an unconscious person who is breathing normally and does not require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Anatomical and Physiological Reasons for the Left Side
The preference for the left side in the recovery position is rooted in specific anatomical and physiological considerations that further reduce health risks. The human stomach curves towards the left side of the body. When a person lies on their left side, the contents of the stomach are positioned lower than the esophagus, making it more challenging for stomach acid and food to flow back up into the throat and airway. This positioning helps to minimize the likelihood of regurgitation and, consequently, the risk of aspiration into the lungs.
Another significant factor involves the liver, a large organ located primarily on the right side of the upper abdomen. Lying on the right side could cause the liver’s weight to press on the inferior vena cava, a major vein that returns deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart. Compression of this vein can impede blood flow back to the heart, potentially leading to a drop in blood pressure and reduced circulation. Positioning on the left side avoids this compression, optimizing blood return and reducing strain on the heart, which is particularly relevant for pregnant individuals where uterine pressure can already affect the vena cava.
Furthermore, the left-sided position effectively uses gravity to aid in airway management. Any fluids, such as saliva, blood, or vomit, that may be present in the mouth or throat will naturally drain outwards, away from the windpipe. This continuous drainage prevents pooling of fluids that could otherwise obstruct the airway or be inhaled, thus providing an additional layer of protection against aspiration.
Applying the Recovery Position Safely
To correctly place an unconscious but breathing person in the recovery position, first kneel beside them and ensure their legs are straight. Extend the arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body, with the palm facing upwards. Then, bring their other arm across their chest and place the back of their hand against the cheek closest to you, holding it in place.
Use your free hand to bend the person’s knee farthest away from you to a right angle, with their foot flat on the floor. While supporting their head and neck, carefully roll the person onto their side by pulling on the bent knee towards you. Once on their side, adjust the bent leg to a right angle to provide stability, and ensure their head is tilted back slightly with the mouth pointing downwards to maintain an open airway and allow drainage. It is important to continuously monitor their breathing until emergency services arrive.
However, there are situations where moving someone into the recovery position requires modification or caution. If a spinal injury is suspected, such as from a fall or direct impact to the back, it is advised not to move the person unless absolutely necessary to clear the airway, as movement could worsen the injury. In such cases, if movement is unavoidable, stabilize the head, neck, and spine as much as possible, ideally with multiple rescuers.