Basic first aid for the Recovery Position

If you happen to find yourself in a position where you are at the scene of an incident, and someone is breathing, but unconscious, you should put them in a recovery position. This will allow the tongue to fall forwards and help in keeping the casualties airway clear from obstruction. In the event the casualty is sick, this will also help in stopping the airways from being obstructed. Basic first aid skills in putting someone in a recovery position is both simple to implement, and in some cases can save lives whilst you are waiting for emergency support. You may also be interested in basic first aid for choking.

Step by step guide

• Kneel down beside the casualty, and if they are wearing glasses remove them. Make sure the legs are straight, and place the arm nearest to you out on a right angle to their body. Bend the elbow, and place the palm of the hand facing upwards. If you were looking down on the casualty you would see this position as if someone were waving.

• Grabbing the far wrist, bring the arm across their chest and hold the back of the casualties hand against their own cheek nearest to you.
• With your free hand hold the leg farthest away, just above the knee. Pull the leg up, and remember to keep the foot flat on the floor at this stage.
• Keeping the hand pressed to the cheek, gently pull the knee towards you onto their side.
• Position the leg so that the knee and hip are bent and at right angles. This will prevent the casualty rolling onto their face.
• Gently tilt the head back so that the casualties airway is open, and adjust the hand so it keeps the head tilted upwards.
  
• Check regularly for breathing until help arrives

If at anytime the casualty stops breathin you must then give CPR

This basic first aid is so easy to do, and I think everyone should know how to place someone in a recovery position. When you think about the amount of times people have died in their sleep from choking on their own vomit, you can see how being put in the recovery position could have saved them. I am not saying that all cases could be avoided, but if you feel that someone you know could be in danger ,then please learn this technique as the basic first aid for the recovery position will only take a few minutes to learn.