What is the purpose of the recovery position?

The recovery position is specifically designed to maintain a clear airway in an unconscious patient who is still breathing. When a person is unconscious but breathing, there is a risk of airway obstruction due to the tongue falling back into the throat or vomit entering the airway. By placing the patient in the recovery position, typically on their side, the airway is kept open, while also allowing any fluids to drain out instead of pooling in the throat, thus reducing the risk of choking or aspiration.

This position is pivotal in emergency response because it helps preserve the airway without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing first responders to focus on monitoring vital signs and attending to other injuries. This positioning also enables the patient to breathe more freely, making it a critical step in the management of unconscious patients who maintain respiratory function.