The Recover Position ensures that a casualty maintains an open airway, that the tongue cannot fall to the back of the throat, that the head and neck remain in an extended position so that the air passage is widened, and any vomit or fluid will drain freely.
IF THE VICTIM IS UNCONSCIOUS DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING BY MOUTH.
See
fig 1.
You will notice the casualty
is lying on his side, supported by one leg and one arm. In the case of
head or ear injury, keep the injured side down.
See
Fig 1.
Where there are fractures
in the upper or lower body, where the casualty is lying in a confined space,
or where it is not possible to use the bent limbs as supports, the Recover
Position can be modified. In such cases, a rolled blanket can be laid down
the front of the body. This method can also be used to transport a casualty
on a stretcher in the Recover Position.
N.B.: When moving the casualty, always do so as a total unit i.e. keep the casualty's head and trunk aligned at all times