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Recovery Positions
Recovery positions were first used
in the hospital. Doctors and nurses placed an unresponsive
patient on his or her side to protect the airway from being
blocked by the tongue or secretions as the person “recovered”
following surgery. They are now an important skill in first
aid. In the recovery position, the unresponsive victim’s
airway is more likely to remain open and obstructions by the
tongue and secretions are less likely. There are various methods
of putting victims into a recovery position. No single method
or position is perfect for all victims.
When caring for children and older persons.
The principles of the recovery position
are the same.
Prevention
Choking on vomit is a cause of severe
brain damage and death for victims of alcohol and drug overdose
drug overdose. These problems may be prevented when an unresponsive
victim is placed on his or her side, because fluid drain easily
from the mouth.
CAUTION!
DO NOT leave an unconscious or semiconscious person, including
one “passed out” from excessive alcohol or drug
use, alone while lying flat on their back. It can be fatal.
If you hear gurgling or the unresponsive victim vomits, you
must get the victim quickly onto their side to protect the
airway. The victim must have an open airway in order to live.
First Aid
Uninjured victim
Place an unresponsive, uninjured victim
who is breathing normally on his or her side, especially if
the victim is having difficulty with secretions, is vomiting
or if you must leave the victim alone to get help.
Make sure the victim’s body
position is stable so he or she does not roll onto his or
her face or back.
Make sure there is no pressure on the chest that could make
it harder to breath. Check breathing regularly.
Because blood flow in the lower arm
may be impaired, turn the victim to the opposite side if they
are in the recovery position for more than 30 minutes.
Injured victims.
As a rule, you should not move an
injured victim. However, there are times you may have to :
When the victim is lying flat on his
or her back and has debris, blood or secretions in his or
her mouth that might block the airway.
When you must leave the victim alone
to get help.
When the victim is lying on a very
hot or very cold surface and you need to get a blanket under
the victim to maintain a normal body temperature.
When you must place an injured
person on his or her side, use a modified recovery position
called the HAINES position. HAINES stands for “High
Arm IN Endangered Spine. When using the HAINES position, there
is less neck movement and less risk of spinal cord damage.
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