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The Unconscious Casualty
Ensure the safety of all those
at the scene
Any unconscious casualty who remains on his or
her back is at risk of an obstructed airway through either
inhaling vomitus (aspiration), or by having their upper airway
blocked by a relaxed tongue.
The most effective way of eliminating this problem is to
put the unconscious breathing casualty in a position that
will ensure that the airway remains open by draining away
any vomitus, or by allowing the relaxed tongue to move away
from the opening of the airway. This position is called the
recovery position.
The recovery position is also
known as the ‘stable side’, ‘coma’, or
‘lateral’ position. This is a position in which
the casualty is placed on their side, with the head down and
tilted in such a way as to cause any vomitus to be expelled
onto the ground, and the tongue to fall away from the airway
opening.
- prepare the casualty by checking pockets
and removing bulky items such as keys, and spectacles
- kneel beside the casualty and make sure
that both the legs are straight
- place the arm nearest to you out at right
angles (90°) to the body
- bring the far arm across the chest, and
hold the back of the hand against the casualty’s cheek
nearest to you
- using your other hand, grasp the far leg
just above the knee and pull it up, ensuring the foot stays
on the ground
- keeping the hand pressed against the casualty’s
cheek, pull on the far leg to roll the casualty towards
you onto their side
- adjust the upper leg so that both the
hip and knee are bent at right angles
- tilt the head back to make sure the airway
remains open
- adjust the hand under the cheek to keep
the head tilted
- check breathing regularly
If the casualty is to remain in the recovery position for
any more than 30 minutes, turning them over to the other side
should be considered if injuries permit.Place women in advanced
pregnancy on their left side, unless prevented by injuries,
to avoid unnecessary distress to the foetus. |
