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In this lesson, you'll learn how to safely use the recovery position, for those times when you encounter a patient who is breathing but unconscious.
The recovery position is used in the following scenario:
As always, the first thing you want to do is make sure the scene is safe and that your gloves are on. Make sure you have your rescue mask with a one-way valve handy and introduce yourself to the victim.
In this situation the patient is unresponsive to your taps and shouts, which elicits an immediate 911 call and finding and/or preparing an AED for use, as you begin to assess the scene for clues of what happened.
The patient could have ended up unconscious for a number of reasons:
Warning: If you suspect electrocution, take extra measures to make sure the scene is safe. Is the power source still active? Is it still touching the patient?
To help keep the patient's airway open and clear, put them into the recovery position using the following steps:
Warning: Only use the recovery position if you don't suspect fractures, or serious neck and back injuries.
Pro Tip #1: The purpose of the recovery position is to expel any foods or liquids that come up. What comes up needs to come out. If it doesn't, it could find its way into the patient's lungs.
The recovery position is also a great way for the patient to lay safely while waiting for EMS. Using the patient's leg as a kickstand allows his or her body to use gravity without the threat of them rolling completely over.
Pro Tip #2: You want gravity working with you as you wait for EMS to arrive. It's important to eliminate the risks of the patient choking or an obstructed airway. Having the patient facing downward will help negate those risks.
Warning: If the patient loses their pulse or stops breathing, immediately roll them onto their back and start CPR.
Continue to reassess the patient while you wait for EMS to respond, particularly for signs of shock, responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation. And treat accordingly should the situation change.
Inadequate breathing requires careful monitoring. You may not notice all of the signs and symptoms at once, and some can be hard to spot. If you see any of them, be prepared to give assisted ventilation.
When the patient has to expend too much effort to breathe and their breathing has become inadequate, you'll notice the following signs:
Abnormal breathing sounds are also a great sign of inadequate breathing. Listen for abnormal sounds such as wheezing or crackling. Wheezing or whistling sounds indicate restricted air flow and are common with conditions such as asthma, allergic reactions, and emphysema. If the patient has a fine cracking sound on inhalation, that may indicate fluid in the lungs.