Why are casualties placed in the recovery position

If someone is unconscious, the secondary survey should be carried out with them in the recovery position or using airway adjuncts and suction and they should be moved as little as possible. If there is any obvious core body or head injury — they should be placed on their injured side. Once the patient is in the recovery position or you are satisfied that their airway is maintained, check for any other injuries in particular; look for watery blood coming from either ear and feel their chest to see if both lungs are moving equally.

Look for any other serious injuries such as bleeding or burns, or any other reason as to why they may be unconscious. Keep checking that they are still breathing. When the paramedics or ambulance crew arrive, they will register that your team has taken all the appropriate steps and given the patient the best chance of a return to health.

It is strongly advised that all dental teams attend a fully regulated practical or Online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. She is the Founder and CEO of First Aid for Life is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider specialising in first aid and medical emergency training for Dental Practices.

First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. Download references. You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar. Reprints and Permissions. Hammett, E. A guide to the recovery position. BDJ Team 5, Download citation.

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Advanced search. Skip to main content Thank you for visiting nature. An unconscious but breathing person is not able to protect their airway. Left lying on their back, the casually is at risk of suffocation by obstruction of their airway due to two main reasons:. Either side can be used. Do not waste time deciding which side may be better to use. If one side of the body is injured, use the alternate side.

Protection of the airway in an unconscious person takes priority over any injury. However, care must be taken to avoid any twisting or bending of the spinal column, especially the neck. With the casualty lying on their back kneel on the floor beside them.

You'll need to place the casualty in the recovery position. If you find someone collapsed, you should first perform a primary survey. If it shows that they are unresponsive but breathing, put them in the recovery position. If they are wearing glasses, or have any bulky items in their pockets, remove them. Do not search their pockets for small items. Thyroid nodules Health Images December 11, ,. Chronic kidney disease Health Images March 22, ,. Kidneys and how they work Health Images March 20, ,.

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