Recovery Position

Before performing this, make sure the scene is safe, and that you have the proper equipment.

Also survey the area for any possible causes of the patient’s injury, along with the patient themselves.

An unresponsive patient warrants a 911 call, even if they have a good pulse and a good heartbeat. In this instance, protecting the airway is priority and the recovery position is needed:

1. Bring the arm closest to you up over the patient’s head.
2. Bring the farthest leg away over the other leg, crossing the legs.
3. Grab the wrist and hip, under the head and neck, and roll the patient onto their side.
4. Lift the head, untuck their hand, and bend the arm up underneath the head.
5. Bring the knee up to prevent rolling over.
6. If the patient demonstrates symptoms of shock. cover them with a blanket or other covering.

In this position, the patient is on their side, the face points to the ground. Their arm is underneath their head (giving them a brace and preventing their airway from collapsing), and their leg is outward.

If the patient seems to have a fracture or an injury to the back, this should not be attempted.

If the patient goes into cardiac arrest, roll them out of recovery position and begin CPR.