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How to Put Someone into the Recovery Position | NHS
Introduction
Learning how to put someone into the recovery position is a vital skill that can potentially save lives. The recovery position is used to keep an unconscious person’s airway clear and open and ensures that they are in a safe posture while waiting for emergency services. Here we outline the step-by-step process recommended by the NHS for placing someone into the recovery position.
Step 1: Check Responsiveness and Breathing
First, make sure the person is unresponsive by gently shaking them and shouting to see if they react. If they do not respond, check for regular breathing. You can do this by tilting their head back and looking, listening, and feeling for breaths. If the person is not breathing, you need to begin CPR immediately.
Step 2: Turning the Individual onto Their Side
If the person is breathing but still unresponsive, proceed to turn them onto their side. Start by kneeling beside them and ensuring that their legs are straight. Place the arm closest to you at a right angle to their body, with the hand upward, towards the head.
Step 3: Position the Far Arm
Next, take the arm that is farthest from you, pull it across their chest, and place the back of their hand against their cheek that is nearest to you. This will ensure their head is supported during the turn.
Step 4: Bend the Far Knee
Reach over and pull up the far knee so that it's bent and the foot is flat on the ground. This will serve as a lever to turn their body safely.
Step 5: Roll Them Over
Using the bent knee as a pivot, gently roll the person towards you. Their head should remain supported by their hand to keep their airway open. Adjust the upper leg so that the hip and knee form a right angle, ensuring they remain stable.
Step 6: Ensure Airway Safety
Finally, tilt their head back slightly to maintain an open airway, and make sure the mouth is angled downward to prevent choking on vomit or fluids. Check their breathing regularly and be prepared to perform CPR if they stop breathing.
Call for Help
Even if the person seems stable in the recovery position, it is crucial to call emergency services as soon as possible. Use the 999 number in the UK and explain the situation clearly to the dispatcher.
Conclusion
Knowing how to position someone into the recovery position can be the difference between life and death. Follow these steps carefully and always seek professional medical assistance. Remember, your prompt actions could significantly impact the outcome for the individual in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recovery position?
The recovery position is a first aid technique used to keep an unconscious person’s airway clear and open. It also ensures that they remain in a safe and stable position.
When should I put someone into the recovery position?
You should use the recovery position when someone is unconscious but breathing normally and you do not suspect any spinal injuries.
Why is the recovery position important?
The recovery position helps to prevent choking and keeps the airway clear by allowing fluids to drain from the mouth.
What should I check before placing someone in the recovery position?
Ensure the person is breathing normally and that there are no suspected spinal injuries. If they are, call for emergency medical help immediately.
How do I start moving someone into the recovery position?
Kneel beside the person and make sure their legs are straight. Then move the arm nearest to you out at a right angle to their body, with the elbow bent and the palm up.
What should I do with the person’s other arm?
Take the other arm, and place the back of the hand against the nearest cheek to you.
How do I position the person’s leg?
Lift the far knee to bend the leg.
How do I roll the person onto their side?
Pull the bent knee towards you, causing the person to roll over onto their side.
What should I do once the person is on their side?
Adjust the top leg so that both the hip and knee are bent at right angles. Ensure their airway remains open by tilting the head back slightly.
How often should I check the person's condition?
Regularly check the person’s breathing and condition until medical help arrives.
What if I suspect a spinal injury?
Do not move the person into the recovery position; instead, try to keep their head, neck, and spine aligned.
Should I call emergency services immediately?
Yes, it’s crucial to call emergency services as soon as possible when someone is unconscious.
Can I use the recovery position for a child?
Yes, the recovery position can be used for children, but be gentle and support their head and neck carefully.
Is it safe to leave someone alone in the recovery position?
No, you should stay with the person and monitor them constantly until professional help arrives.
What if the unconscious person vomits?
If the person vomits, adjust their position slightly to ensure their airway remains clear and to prevent aspiration.
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