What is the recovery position used for?

The recovery position is a method used to maintain a clear airway for a conscious or semi-conscious victim who is breathing normally. This position helps to prevent choking or aspiration if the person vomits while ensuring that their airway remains unobstructed.

It is particularly effective when dealing with individuals who are breathing but may not be able to maintain their airways due to loss of consciousness or certain medical conditions. By placing the person on their side, gravity aids in keeping the airway open, and their hands can help to stabilize that position, thus reducing the risk of airway obstruction.

While it is important in various emergency situations, such as for a victim experiencing a seizure or after a victim has regained consciousness, the recovery position is specifically designed for individuals who are breathing without spinal injury or severe trauma concerns. This is what distinguishes the recovery position as appropriate for maintaining the airway of a breathing victim without trauma, rather than for those with suspected spinal injuries, seizure activity, or during CPR, where other techniques are required.