Recovery Position

What you student's should be able to do / understand after the session:

CAN perform a primary survey
UNDERSTAND why a patient with a reduced level of response due to medical illness or non-physical trauma, who does NOT meet the criteria for CPR, should be place in the recovery position
CAN place a casualty in the recovery position effectively, with the airway open
UNDERSTANDS why accurate positioning of the head is vital
UNDERSTANDS the need to turn a casualty into recovery position onto the other side after 30 minutes
UNDERSTANDS the need to continually monitor a casualty in the recovery position and protect them from the cold
KNOWLEDGE OF the possibility of modifying the position (if necessary)

Teaching structure for Recovery Position Session:

EXPLAIN:

What it is, why and when we use it

DEMONSTRATE:

The correct technique for putting someone in the recovery position

IMITATE:

Get your students to practice the technique on each other (observe throughout)

CORRECTION:

Offer advice and guidance on best practice, correct any mistakes

TRY AGAIN:

Allow students addition practice to perfect technique

SUMMARY:

Q & A check for understanding & emphasise important aspects

What is a Primary Survey in first aid?

A primary survey is a speedy way to find out how to treat any life-threatening conditions a casualty may have in order of priority.

DRSABC

Check for Danger
Check for a Response
Send for Help
Open Airway
Check Breathing
Check Circulation
Treat the steps as needed.

What is the recovery position?

a position used in first aid to prevent choking in unconscious patients

Why do we use the recovery position?

To keep an unconscious or unresponsive person's airway open and prevent aspiration

When to put someone in the recovery position?

The recovery position should be used when someone is unconscious but still breathing normally and is not at risk of other life-threatening injuries

When shouldn't you put someone in the recovery position?

The recovery position should not be used if the patient is experiencing cardiac arrest, abnormal breathing, no breathing at all, or unconsciousness due to severe, life-threatening injuries such as head, neck, or spinal cord trauma. In such cases, emergency services should be called and the patient should be laid flat on their back while CPR is performed.

How to put someone in the recovery position?

Check for and carefully remove any bulky objects in the pockets nearest to you
Place the nearest arm palm up in an outward position. If it will not bend into a right angle just let it relax away from the body
Bring further arm across the body towards you, place the back of their hand against their face and hold it there with the palm of your hand, you do not need to interlock fingers or to grasp the thumb.
Reach across the furthest leg and grasp the outer thigh near the knee to raise the knee. The foot must remain on the ground and does not need to be placed under the nearest thigh. It is more respectful if you able to reach across the body rather than placing your hand between the legs to raise the thigh
Pulling on the thigh near the knee carefully pull the patient towards you. This must not be a quick “flick” but a careful controlled movement
Once on their side, bring the top knee up at right angles to support the body
Carefully lower the head to the floor
Open the airway and re-check for normal breathing
Check – jaw forward, mouth low and chest clear of the ground
Call for emergency medical help if not already done
Monitor the patient, checking pulse, respirations and level of consciousness
Perform a secondary survey (a head-to-toe check for any injuries)
Check for medical alerts, diabetic cards or other items that may indicate a pre-existing medical condition

** NOTE: Lie pregnant women on their left side if you need to put them in the recovery position. This prevents pressure being placed on the large veing that leads to the heart.

DO NOT move someone who you suspect has a spinal injury