Recovery position
The recovery position is a first aid technique used for individuals who are unconscious but breathing normally, aimed at keeping their airway clear and allowing fluids to drain. This positioning is crucial in preventing choking and is often employed while awaiting professional medical help. There are variations of the recovery position based on the individual's condition, particularly if spinal injuries are suspected. The lateral position is commonly used, where the person is rolled onto their side with an arm stretched out to facilitate drainage and airway protection.
In 1989, a modified method known as the HAINES position was introduced to minimize neck and head movement, which is especially important for those with potential spinal injuries. However, the effectiveness of these positions has been debated; some experts argue that they may obscure signs of breathing cessation, leading to concerns about their reliability in emergencies. Organizations like the American Red Cross have reassessed their recommendations regarding the recovery position, reflecting ongoing discussions in the medical community about best practices for first aid. The recovery position remains a topic of interest for both rescuers and those seeking to understand emergency care techniques.
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Recovery position
Recovery position is one of several ways to position a person who is unconscious and awaiting professional medical attention but who is breathing normally. Its purpose is to keep the person's airway open and allow any fluids to drain out without causing choking. Different recovery positions are based on the patient's suspected injuries. Some experts question whether the position makes it more difficult for rescuers to notice when a person has stopped breathing, and some first aid professionals have stopped recommending it.
Overview
Suggestions for recovery positions have been made since the nineteenth century. They have alternated between placing the person supine, or on his or her back, or recumbent, on his or her side. The principle concern is keeping the person's airway clear of vomit and other fluids that can block the airway. The recumbent, or side-lying position, allows fluid to drain, whereas a supine position does not.
The first recumbent recovery position recommended was the lateral position, in which the person's arm is stretched out to the side before rolling the person onto that same side. In 1989, John Haines, the director of Australian First Aid, developed a modification of the recovery position to be used when the patient may have a spine injury. Called the "high arm in endangered spine" (HAINES) position, this variation has the rescuer stretch one of the unconscious person's arms overhead and roll the person to the same side as that arm. This limits lateral, or side to side, motion of the neck and head that could cause further injury.
The steps for placing a person in the recovery position depend on which position is being used. For the lateral recumbent position, the rescuer kneels alongside the patient and positions the closest arm so it is at a right angle on the ground with the hand pointing up. The other arm is placed so the back of the hand can cushion the patient's face and head. The patient's knee that is farthest from the rescuer is bent into a right angle and tugged gently to pull the person onto the side facing the rescuer. The top arm cushions the head, and the lower arm helps keep the person positioned on his or her side.
If it is possible the person has a back, neck, or head injury, some experts recommend the HAINES position instead. The arm farthest from the rescuer is stretched straight above the unconscious person's head. The other arm is placed across the chest. The rescuer places one of his or her own arms under the patient's knee and the other behind the patient's head and neck to support it and carefully rolls the patient on to his or her side. In either case, the person's jaw is carefully pulled forward to ensure that the airway remains open and unobstructed.
Some experts, citing lack of evidence about its advantages, have questioned the use of the HAINES position. Others question the use of any side recovery position, noting that it makes it harder to notice if a person stops breathing and needs further assistance. The American Red Cross and others stopped recommending the position in 2015.
Bibliography
Adams, Stephen. "Don't Put Casualties in the Recovery Position, Researchers Say: New First Aid Guide Says Moving Patients Could Make It Harder to Spot Breathing Difficulties." Daily Mail,3 June 2017, www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4570138/DON-T-casualties-recovery-position-researchers-say.html. Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.
"Emergencies and First Aid – Recovery Position." Harvard Health Publishing,14 Feb. 2017, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/emergencies-and-first-aid-recovery-position. Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.
"H.A.IN.E.S. Position." Australian First Aid, www.australianfirstaid.com.au/h-a-i-n-e-s-position/. Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.
"The Recovery Position." National Health Services,1 Aug. 2016, www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Accidents-and-first-aid/Pages/The-recovery-position.aspx. Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.
"Recovery Position." National Safety Council,www.nsc.org/RxDrugOverdoseDocuments/recovery-position-first-aid.pdf. Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.
"Recovery Position for Adults or Children." National Safety Council, www.nsc.org/learn/Safety-Training/Pages/Recovery-Position.aspx. Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.
"Red Cross and Heart Association Announce Updated Guidelines." American Red Cross, 15 Oct. 2015, www.redcross.org/news/press-release/Red-Cross-and-Heart-Association-Announce-Updated-Guidelines. Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.
Zideman, David A., et al. "European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2015 Section 9. First Aid." European Resuscitation Council, Oct. 2015, ercguidelines.elsevierresource.com/european-resuscitation-council-guidelines-resuscitation-2015-section-9-first-aid/fulltext. Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.