What is the Recovery Position?

What is the recovery position? This is the position you use to stabilise an unconscious person and keep him or her still until emergency personnel arrive. There are several ways to use this position, but this article will focus on the proper one and what to avoid when it is used. First, ensure that the patient is breathing and that the scene is safe. Next, call 999 and check the casualty for serious injuries. Often, the recovery position is the most appropriate for an unconscious patient who is breathing.

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It is important not to move the neck too much because it can worsen any possible spinal injury. It is also important to do it safely and quickly. Basic first aid training will teach you the steps to properly administer the recovery position. The first step is to learn the correct position to place the casualty which involves lifting one leg at the knee and placing one arm across their body so their hand is against their cheek. This enables the casualty to be gently rolled over onto their side. To learn more, think about Emergency First Aid Training Courses from www.tidaltraining.co.uk/emergency-first-aid-training-courses

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The second step is to keep the mouth slightly elevated. In this position, the mouth must be kept open and the tongue and/or vomit can easily escape. The mouth must remain elevated to keep airways open and prevent blockage. Aspiration pneumonia can occur if regurgitated food finds its way into the lungs. Ongoing research into the recovery position suggests it is still a useful tool for treating unconscious patients.