Recovery Position (1)

[Digby]

Another in our regular series to help you brush up on your first aid skills:

Why is the recovery (three quarters prone) position used when a patient is unconscious?
a So the patient does not get bedsores?
b So if the patient vomits, they won't mess up their clothing?
c So that the patient will not choke on blood or vomit?
d So that you can bandage the legs easier?
e So that the blood flows downwards?

Choose your answer then scroll down to see what other people say. This forum is no substitute for professional first aid training - so get yourself off and get trained! :)

[Ollie]

I reckon C.. and partly B... :D

[Digby]

It would depend on the brand of clothing they are wearing of course...

[ChamberlainPC]

I've never known any one jump up from this position and exclaim to the world 'I'm Recovered!' Maybe calling it the safe airway position would be better, this then does exactly what it says on the packet, maintains a safe airway!

[Survivaldon]

The answer is "C." It should be noted too that this question pertains to a person who is unresponsive, unconscious, or unable to move under their own power.

BTW PC it is called the "Recovery" position, at least here in the US. And putting someone in this position doesn't necessarily put them in a "safe airway" position. It is generally used to keep a person from aspirating vomit or blood, as in description "C" of Digby's question. Once the vomit, blood, etc. has been cleared, the patient should be laid on their back and using the "head-tilt, Chin-lift" (once properly trained in this procedure) to maintain a proper airway.

If there is any suspicion of a neck or spine injury, you MUST be VERY CAREFUL when rolling someone into the "recovery" position or back onto their back after the vomit, blood, etc. has been cleared. A person should know how to apply proper "C-spine traction" before attempting to roll or move a victim of any type of accident where injury is imminent.

Like Digby said: "This forum is no substitute for professional first aid training - so get yourself off and get trained!" :)

[insane_climber]

to keep hte airway open