The recovery position, also known as the recovery position, is not only a key element of first aid, but also an indispensable tool in the field of occupational health and safety (OSH). It is a simple but effective technique that can significantly impact the lives of injured people and minimize the risk of serious health complications. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to place the injured person in the safe side position to effectively open the airway.

The recovery position, also known as the recovery position, is used in first aid to secure the airway of a casualty who is unconscious but breathing. It also prevents the tongue from collapsing on the back wall of the throat and preventing content or foreign bodies from entering the respiratory system. How should the injured person be placed in the safe side position?

It is necessary to adhere to the following first aid rules:

• Place the injured person on their back and then straighten their legs.
• Place one of the injured person’s arms in line with their body and raise the other arm up so that the palm is facing their face.
• Prepare your legs to turn the casualty onto his or her side. One of the legs should remain straight and the victim’s other lower limb bent at the knee to provide stability.
• Gently turn the unconscious person on their side. Elevate the casualty’s head to keep the airway open.
• Pull your top leg towards your chest to maintain stability.
• Check that the airway is clear. If there are any foreign objects in the victim’s mouth, remove them carefully.

Remember that the position is performed correctly when it does not press on the chest and ensures free flow of contents from the oral cavity. Thanks to this, the injured person can breathe freely.

The recovery position (PBU), also known as the recovery position, should be used in the following situations:

• LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS BY THE PERSON

If the person is unconscious but breathing, the recovery position can help keep the airway open and avoid the risk of suffocation. This is especially important for people who have lost consciousness due to suffocation, alcohol or drugs, or other causes.

• RISK OF VOMITING

In a situation where there is a risk that the victim may vomit, placing him in the recovery position allows the vomit to flow out of the mouth and not enter the respiratory tract.

• WHILE STAYING CONSCIOUS

If the person is conscious but unable to sit or stand, the person may be placed in the recovery position to ensure comfort and maintain a patent airway.

Although the recovery position (PBU) is an effective and often irreplaceable first aid technique, there are certain situations in which its use is contraindicated or requires special caution. Here are some contraindications to the use of the lateral fixed position:

• SUSPECTED SPINE OR PELVIC INJURY

First of all, if there is a suspicion of a spine or pelvic injury, avoid placing the injured person on their side as this may lead to further injury. In such cases, it is better to keep the person lying on their back until professional medical help arrives.

• IN CASE OF LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND LACK OF BREATHING

If the injured person is unconscious and not breathing, the first step should be cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Don’t put it aside in such a situation. Start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) according to applicable recommendations.

• NOT SURE AS TO THE CAUSE OF LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

If you are not sure why the casualty lost consciousness, do not move him or her to the side. This may be a more complex situation that requires special attention and professional help.

The modified lateral recovery position is a modification of the standard lateral recovery position (PBU) that is used in cases where the injured party has suspected whiplash or cervical spine injuries and cannot be converted to traditional PBU due to concerns about the severity of potential injuries. The modified side recovery position is intended to maintain airway patency and minimize the risk of cervical spine injuries. Here’s how you can do it:

• Make sure the casualty is lying on their back and you have the first aid team at hand.
• Stabilize the head – if you have access to appropriate equipment (for example, a towel or pillow), place it under the injured person’s head in such a way as to keep his or her head and neck in as stable a position as possible.
• Place the rest of the body in a stable position – in such a situation, avoid moving the injured person to the side.
• Continue to monitor the airway – make sure the victim’s airway is clear and breathing is regular. If necessary, perform an airway clearing procedure.
• Wait for professional medical help – when paramedics, doctors, etc. arrive, inform them about your findings and the condition of the injured person in which you found him or her before starting first aid.

Source:https://www.bhp-center.com.pl/prezent-boczna-bezpieczna-w-bhp-dlagogo-jest-niezastapiona/

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.