The Recovery Position and Method

The Recovery Position

Any unconscious casualty should be placed in the recovery position. This position prevents the tongue form blocking the throat, and because the head is slightly lower than the rest of the body, it allows liquids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of the casualty inhaling stomach contents. The head, neck, and back are kept in a straight line, while the bent libs keep the body propped in a severe and comfortable position. If you must leave an unconscious casualty unattended, he or she can safely be left in the recovery position while you get help.

The technique for turning shown below assumes that the casualty is lying on her back from the start. Not all the steps will be necessary if a casualty is found lying on his or her side or front. Before turning a casualty, remove his or her spectacles, if worn, and any bulky objects from pockets.

METHOD

1. Kneeling beside the casualty, open her airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin. Straighten her lags. Place the arm nearest you out at right angles to her body elbow, and with the hand palm uppermost.

2. Bring the arm furthest from you across the chest, and hold the hand, palm outwards, against the casualty’s nearer cheek.

3. With your other hand, group the thigh furthest from you and pull the knee up, keeping the foot flat on the ground.

4. Keeping her hand pressed against her cheek, pull at the thigh to roll the casualty towards you and on to her side.

5. Tilt the head back to make sure the airway remains open. Adjust the hand under the cheek, if necessary, so that the head stays in this tilted position.

6. Adjust the upper leg, if necessary, so that both the hip and the knee are bent at right-angles.

7. Dial 999 for an ambulance. Check breathing while waiting for help to arrive.