Recovery Position

The Recovery Position is a position in which casualties may be shifted to in order to maintain an open airway and keep the casualty comfortable. The first aider may choose to leave the casualty in this position when he/she needs to reach for medical aid, once all injuries are treated and breathing is present.

Objectives

 * To place the casualty in a comfortable position while waiting for the arrival of ambulance
 * To prevent obstruction of airway by allowing fluid to flow out of the mouth

Method

 * 1) Kneel by the casualty’s side in position. The first aider’s legs should be opened up, the knees positioned at casualty’s hip and shoulder and you should be as near as possible to the casualty.
 * 2) Tuck casualty’s nearest hand under the thigh nearer to you,
 * 3) Ensure that the palm of the casualty’s hand is facing down.
 * 4) Grab casualty’s other hand and place the back of the hand on the cheek nearer to you.
 * 5) Turn the casualty’s head towards you,
 * 6) And meanwhile still holding on to casualty’s hand, palm-to-palm.
 * 7) Using your free hand, prop up the casualty’s leg that is further away from you and
 * 8) Wrap your hand around casualty’s leg.
 * 9) While wrapping your hand around the leg, grab some clothing near the waist.
 * 10) While you are turning the casualty, pull the casualty towards you, ensuring that the casualty is supported on your lap.
 * 11) In addition, your elbow should also be on the ground at all times.
 * 12) Ensure the back of the casualty’s hand is on the cheek and is raised so that casualty’s chest is lifted off the ground.
 * 13) Straighten casualty’s hand to 45° and
 * 14) Adjust the leg to 90°.