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WHAT  IS  IT?

 

The recovery position is a comfortable, secure position that allows an unconscious or semi-conscious child to continue breathing freely until medical help arrives.

 

• The position keeps the head, neck and back comfortably aligned.
• It prevents the tongue from blocking the throat and, because the head is slightly lower than the rest of the body, any fluid is allowed to drain from the nose and mouth
• Placing an unconscious child in the recovery position is the most effective way of preventing her from choking to death if she vomits.
• Knowing how to place a child safely and promptly in the recovery position can save her life. 

A child who is unconscious but breathing should be placed in the recovery position to await the arrival of qualified paramedics.

 

Initial precautions

 

The recovery position should be used as part of the emergency procedure designed to ensure that the child is kept in as stable a condition as possible. The emergency checklist known as DRABC should be carried out.

 

D (Danger): check that neither you nor the children are in any danger from hazards such as traffic. Proceed when it is safe to do so.

 

R (Response): as certain whether or not the child is conscious and, if so, if she is aware of where she is. Quickly assess her for injuries and then cover her to maintain a stable body temperature.

 

A (Airway): check the airway. Remove any foreign objects that may be blocking the airway.

 

B (Breathing): check that the child is breathing properly. If breathing cannot be detected, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

 

C (Circulation): check for signs of circulation, such as color, movement and skin temperature. If there are no signs of circulation, give chest compressions.

 

When not to use the recovery position

 

In some situations, moving a casualty can be more dangerous than leaving per where she is.

 

• It is not necessary to use the recovery position if the child is conscious. 
• Do not use the recovery position if the child has no pulse or is not breathing freely. Perform mouth-to-­mouth resuscitation and CPR immediately. 
• If you suspect that the child may have a neck or spinal injury, do not try to move her. Do not place anything at all under her neck to prop her up. Await emergency help. 

Modifications to the recovery positions

Sometimes, the recovery position may require a different procedure.

• IF the age of one, hold her in your arms so that the head is lower than the rest of the body and is tilted back to keep the airway clear. Try to keep the head, neck and back aligned at all times. If you suspect a neck or spinal injury, do not move" the child unless her breathing is restricted or she needs to be quickly removed from a position of danger. 
• If the child has limb injuries, it may not be possible for her to use her arms and legs as described in the step-by­-step guide (overleaf). If possible, use rolled-up blankets to help support her and maintain the correct position. 
• If the child has abdominal or chest injuries, it may still be necessary to place her in the recovery position. However, careful attention should be paid to be sure that no further damage occurs to the injured area. 

A step-by-step guide to the recovery position

 

The technique described here for turning a casualty can be used on anyone over the age of one. The steps described assume that the child is found lying on her back. If she is already lying on her front or side, you will need to modify some of the steps. The main aim is to get the child into a position lying on her side from which she cannot accidentally roll in either direction.

 

Before starting the procedure, remove any fragile or bulky objects from the child's pockets. 

Kneel beside the child and open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Straighten the child's legs. 

Place the arm nearest to you so that the upper part is at right angles to the body and the forearm is parallel to the head (as though the child had raised her arm to stop traffic). 

Bring the child's arm that is furthest from you across the chest. Then use the flat of your hand to hold the back of the child's hand against her cheek. This will help support her head. 

Using your free hand, hold the child's furthermost leg just above the knee and draw the leg up so that the knee is raised and the foot remains flat on the ground. 

While still keeping the child's hand pressed against her cheek, pull the upper part of the raised leg towards you so that the child rolls on to her side. Use your knees to prevent the child from rolling too far. You can see from the picture that one of her hands is under her chin and one at her side. 

Ensure that the child's mouth is downward, and tilt the head back to keep the airway free. If necessary adjust the hand that is supporting the cheek so that the head cannot tilt forward again. 

Adjust the upper leg (the one you pulled over) so that the knee and hip are bent at right angles to stop her rolling forward. 

What to do next

 

• Call an ambulance, if this has not already been done.
• Check the child's breathing and signs of circulation regularly, if possible every three or four minutes, but at least every 10 minutes.
• If the child's pulse or breathing stops, turn her on to her back and commence CPR or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
• If the child starts to regain consciousness, try to keep her still and reassure her until medical help arrives. 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.