Recovery Position

Before putting a casualty into the recovery position, the First Aider must make sure that the casualties airway has been extended and checked the ABC.

Next it is important to check the area that the casualty is to be rolled onto. Make sure that the area is cleared of any bits of debris or sharp objects, which may harm them when being rolled.

The casualty should be lying on their back, for the First Aider to perform the recovery position.

Straighten the casualty's body; check from head to toe for any sharp objects that they may roll onto i.e.-pens earrings, keys, watches etc, remove their glasses as well at this time.

Kneel next to the casualty, (between hips and shoulders), lift the arm nearest to your knees, and put it up to resemble a ‘Policeman’s stop’ signal, lean over the casualty, take hold of their other hand and taking your hand (the one nearest the casualties head) place your hand ‘palm to palm ‘ with the casualties.

Place the casualty’s hand onto the side of their face, with your palm still in the palm of the casualties. Do not remove your hand at this time.

With your other hand pull up the knee on the opposite side of the casualty until their foot is approximately level with their other knee. With both hands in place using the knee as a lever roll the casualty over towards you.

When the casualties knee is right over take the hand that was on the knee around the back of the casualties head, lift the casualties hand up and then remove your other hand carefully letting the head rest on the back of the hand of the casualty.

As soon as you have removed your hand you must extend the airway, listen for breathing and feel for the pulse for 10 seconds. Readjust the lower arm for comfort, bringing the top shoulder over for stability. Bring the bent leg up to 450. Go back to the head, Ensure open airway, check breathing and pulse for 10 secs

Don’t leave your casualty unattended for more than 3 mins

The back can now be checked as you could check it during secondary survey.

Casualties are put into the recovery position so that: -

• They maintain an open airway
• If they vomit it will flow away
• The position is recognised by others that attended First Aid training
• It is a stable position
• It allows the back of the casualty to be examined

If you stay longer than 10 minutes with your casualty, it is advisable to start taking down notes of the complete history of the casualty.

Check ABC every 3 mins.