Recovery Position
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Handling Unconscious Patients as a First Aider
When you come across an unconscious patient, follow these steps:
1. Stop, Think, and Act
Look for hazards, remove potential dangers, and ensure someone is with you if possible.
2. Assess the Patient
Introduce yourself, tap their collarbone for a response, and ask for permission to help. Assess conscious patients and prevent them from moving while deciding the appropriate action.
3. Check for Breathing
For unconscious patients, perform the head-tilt-chin-lift technique to open the airway. Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds.
4. Call for Help
If the patient is breathing normally and you understand the situation, send someone to call an ambulance and have them report back with the estimated arrival time.
5. Place the Patient in the Recovery Position
Ensure the patient's airway remains open and prevent choking on vomit by positioning them in the recovery position.
Performing a Head-to-Toe Survey
Wearing gloves, check for injuries by gently feeling the patient's shoulders, arms, chest, and legs. Look for deformities, blood, or fluid.
Placing the Patient in the Recovery Position
Follow these steps:
- Kneel next to the patient and straighten their legs.
- Place the patient's near hand on the floor at a 90-degree angle from their body.
- Interlock fingers of the far hand with the patient's near hand against their cheek.
- Grab the patient's far knee, lift the foot flat on the floor, and use the leg as a lever while supporting their head to roll the patient onto their side.
- Ensure the airway is open and adjust the patient's legs for stability.
6. Keep the Patient Comfortable and Warm
Use a blanket or another covering to maintain the patient's warmth.
7. Monitor and Communicate
Continuously monitor the patient's breathing and talk to them. If possible, have someone assist in finding out the ambulance's arrival time. If alone, leave the patient only to call emergency services, and check their breathing before leaving and upon returning.