Recovery position How to ensure the patient’s airway is open

WHERE no spinal injury is suspected, the breathing, unconscious patient may be placed into the recovery position until he or she regains consciousness or until such time as the emergency services arrive. The function of the recovery position is to ensure that the airway is open and does not become obstructed by the patient’s own tongue or other obstructions such as blood or vomit. Continue to monitor the patient’s breathing while he or she is in the recovery position.

1 Raise up the patient’s hand (nearest to you) as shown left.

2 Check that the patient does not have bulky or sharp items in pockets (e.g. keys that you would be turning him or her on to). Use the backs of your hands as shown to check the pocket area.

11 Then adjust the leg so that the foot is now on the ground (left) and position the knee so as to prevent the patient from turning completely on to his or her stomach. 13 Keep the patient warm unless you are dealing with a post-cardiac arrest patient...

3 If there are items in the pockets, tease the contents out by pinching material inside the pocket. 4 Ensure the area surrounding the patient is clear of objects that may cause injury.

10 Allow the patient’s knee to touch the ground (right). 12 Ensure the airway is open. Continue to monitor the vital signs until the emergency services arrive.

8 Take this hand and move the patient’s arm across his or her chest and place the palm of the hand against the cheek.

9 Place your hand on the patient’s bent knee and use it to turn him or her on to his or her side.

5 Grab the leg furthest from you under the knee; bend the knee so that the patient’s foot is now flat on the ground.

7 Grasp the patient’s hand as shown right. (If the patient is wearing a diamond ring or something similar, turn the ring inwards).

6 Place the patient’s foot under the back of the knee of the straight leg on the floor/ ground.