Once circulation and breathing have been restored, it is important to maintain a good airway and ensure that the tongue does not cause obstruction. It is also important to minimize the risk of inhalation of gastric contents.
For this reason the client should be placed in the recovery position. This will allow the tongue to fall forward, keeping the airway clear.
• If in situ remove the client’s spectacles, to avoid injury and damage.
• Kneel beside the client and make sure that both his legs are straight, to facilitate movement.
• Place the arm nearest to you out at right angles to his body, elbow bent with the hand palm uppermost, to protect the head when the client is turned.
• Bring his far arm across the chest, and hold the back of the hand against the client’s cheek nearest to you, to prevent injury.
• With your other hand, grasp the far leg just above the knee and pull it up, keeping the foot on the ground, to facilitate movement.
• Keeping his hand pressed against his cheek, pull on the leg to roll the client towards you onto his side.
• Adjust the upper leg so that both the hip and knee are bent at right angles, to help maintain the position.
• Tilt the head back, to make sure the airway remains open.
• Adjust the hand under the cheek, if necessary, to keep the head tilted.
• Check breathing regularly, to monitor condition.
• Care should be taken to monitor the peripheral circulation of the lower arm, and to ensure that the duration for which there is pressure on this arm is kept to a minimum. If the client has to be kept in the recovery position for more than 30 minutes he should be turned to the opposite side, to reduce the likelihood of pressure sores.
Finally, it must be emphasized that in spite of possible problems during training and in use, it remains beyond doubt that placing the unconscious, breathing client into the recovery position can be life saving.
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