Does the common first aid practice work?
Decreased consciousness ranges from sleepiness (somnolence) to unresponsiveness (coma).
Instead, chest compressions or an automated external defibrillator (AED) should be employed right away.
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How to Put Someone in the Recovery Position
First ensure the scene is safe.
At this point, you should also look for other serious injuries such as neck injuries.
The recovery position is not indicated for children under age 1.
Instead, place the baby face down across your forearm.
ensure to support the baby’s head with your hand.
If matter comes up from the esophagus, it could easily find its way into the lungs.
Historically, the left-side recovery position was preferred.
Does It Work?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much evidence that the recovery position works or doesn’t work.
This is because research so far has been limited.
This could lead to a delay in the administration of CPR.
Overdose
Theres more to an overdose than the risk of vomit aspiration.
A person who swallowed too many pills may still haveundigested capsulesin their stomach.
Research suggests that the left-side recovery position may help decrease the absorption of certain drugs.
Thus, someone who has overdosed may benefit from being placed in the left-side recovery position until help arrives.
Seizure
Wait until theseizureis over before placing the person in the recovery position.
Call 911 if the person injured themselves during the seizure or if they are having trouble breathing afterward.
That may mean putting them in the recovery position or on their stomach.
Summary
The recovery position has been the standard position for unconscious people for many years.
However, there isn’t much evidence that it does or doesn’t work.
The way in which you position a person depends on thesituation.
The recovery position may help keep a person from absorbing a substance they’ve overdosed on.
It can also be helpful for someone who has just had a seizure.
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