Today our topic of discussion is Recovery Position.
Recovery Position
The recovery position refers to one of a series of variations on a lateral recumbent or three-quarters prone position of the body, into which an unconscious but breathing casualty can be placed as part of first aid treatment.
An unconscious person, a person who is assessed on the Glasgow Coma Scale at eight or below, in a supine position (on the back) may not be able to maintain an open airway as a conscious person would.
This can lead to an obstruction of the airway, restricting the flow of air and preventing gaseous exchange, which then causes hypoxia, which is life-threatening. Thousands of fatalities occur every year in casualties where the cause of unconsciousness was not fatal, but where airway obstruction caused the patient to suffocate. The cause of unconsciousness can be any reason from trauma to intoxication from alcohol.
Six key principles to be followed:
- The casualty should be in as near a true lateral position as possible with the head dependent to allow free drainage of fluid.
- The position should be stable.
- Any pressure of the chest that impairs breathing should be avoided.
- It should be possible to turn the victim onto the side and return to the back easily and safely, having particular regard to the possibility of cervical spine injury.
- Good observation of and access to the airway should be possible.
- The position itself should not give rise to any injury to the casualty.