Recovery position

From ArticleWorld


The recovery position is a special position taught in first aid classes. The recovery position is used for unconscious or nearly unconscious victims, in order to avoid various airway-related complications but still allow the person to breathe.

The common position involves placing the body on the side, using the legs and hands to stabilize the body, and the chin up so that the epiglottis remains open. The mouth is placed downward so that any fluid accumulated in the back of the throat can be drained safely.

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Indications

The recovery position aims to protect the airway of the patient, while still allowing him or her to breathe. The main reasons why an unconscious person should not be allowed to remain facing up are:

  • The possibility of swallowing the tongue, because of the lack of muscular control. The tongue falls back in the back of the throat and can obstruct the airway.
  • The possibility of drowning because of the accumulation of fluids like blood or vomit in the back of the throat. It is also possible for the stomach acid to accumulate and attack the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia.

Protecting the airways can be done if the head is tilted back and the jaw lifted, but this does not protect from the accumulation of fluids. Therefore, this position is recommended for unconscious patients, or for victims or drowning or possible poisoning, and any other victim suspected to become unconscious after a while.

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Precautions

The recovery position does involve some risks, so a number of precautions must be taken:

  • A conscious person who has fallen on his back should not be placed in the recovery position. The recovery position can worsen damages the spine. However, in unconscious persons, it must have priority: it is better to worsen the condition of the spine instead of endangering the life of the patient.
  • Patients with chest injuries should be turned on the injured side, so that the blood in the chest cavity only affects one lung.
  • Bleeding persons may be placed on the bleeding side as a form of wound compression.
  • Pregnant women should always be placed on their left side, bleeding or not, so that the uterus does not compress the inferior vena cava, which can be fatal for the mother and the child.
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