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The recovery position is utilized for individuals who are unconscious yet breathing. For infants, the recovery position differs. After administering basic first aid, and once you've ensured there's no spinal or neck injury, position the individual in the recovery stance. You might potentially save a life by following these straightforward steps.
Procedures
Placing an Adult in the Recovery Position
Assess breathing and consciousness. Prior to placing someone in the recovery position, it's crucial to evaluate the scenario. Confirm if the individual is unconscious but breathing and doesn't have any other life-threatening conditions. Engage with the individual to gauge responsiveness. Determine breathing by positioning your cheek near their nose and mouth to detect breath.
- If the individual is breathing and unconscious or semi-conscious, you can proceed to place them in the recovery position.
Assess for potential spinal injuries. If there's suspicion of a spinal injury, do not try to move the individual until medical assistance arrives. If necessary to open the airway due to breathing difficulties, gently lift the jaw upward with hands on either side of the face, being cautious not to move the neck. Signs of spinal injuries may include:
- Head trauma, severe blows to the back of the head, falls from 5 to 10 feet resulting in unconsciousness.
- Complaints of severe neck or back pain.
- Immobility of the neck.
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis.
- Neck or back twisting.
- Lack of control over limbs, bladder, or bowels.
Positioning the limbs. Once it's deemed safe to place the individual in the recovery position, kneel beside them to position the arms. Place the nearest arm at a right angle to the body, elbow facing toward you, with the palm up in front of the head.
- Take the other arm across the chest, tucking the hand under the head's side so the back of the hand rests against the cheek.
- Next, bend the farthest leg's knee so the foot lies flat on the ground.
Roll the individual towards you. After positioning the limbs, gently roll them onto their side. Grasp the raised knee and slowly pull it toward you and downward, ensuring the hand beneath the head remains to provide support. Be cautious to prevent head impact on the ground.
- The arm extended at a right angle prevents excessive rolling. Over-rotation can hinder chest expansion and breathing.
- Alternatively, hold firmly at the hip and pull, with one hand stabilizing the far shoulder to prevent excessive movement.
Open the air passage. With the individual rolled onto their side and head supported, slightly tilt the head back and lift the chin to clear the airway. Confirm there are no obstructions in the air passage.
- Continue monitoring pulse and breathing until help arrives.
- Keep the individual warm with a blanket or coat.
Placing an Infant in the Recovery Position
Position the infant over your arm, face down. The recovery position for infants, those under one year old, begins by laying the infant over your arm with their face down, slightly angled. Ensure the head is slightly lower than the body.
- Maintain a body elevation no more than five degrees above the head to prevent aspiration and encourage drainage.
Provide neck and head support. As you position the infant on your arm, use your other hand to support their neck and head. For instance, if using your left arm, support the head and neck with your right hand.
Ensure clear mouth and nose. While supporting the infant's head, be cautious not to obstruct the mouth and nose accidentally. Check the positioning of your fingers to guarantee unimpeded breathing.
Wait for assistance. After placing the infant in the recovery position, monitor their breathing and await medical aid. Should the infant cease breathing, be prepared to administer CPR.
Helpful Advice
Important Cautions
- It's crucial to reiterate that if you suspect a spinal or neck injury, do not try to move the individual.
