EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW HOW TO PLACE AN INFANT, CHILD OR ADULT IN THE RECOVERY POSITION.

Doctors are reminding the public that unconscious infants and children should be put in the recovery position, when safe to do so, after a European study found dangerous manoeuvres that don’t contribute to the patients recovery. This is our guide to manage an unconscious casualty: Unconscious Casualty Management When we sleep, our natural reflexes protect our tongue or saliva from blocking our airway. An unconscious casualty is unable to do this and therefore very vulnerable. Assess the situation (Primary Survey) • Make sure that it is safe and call someone to help you. • Look for dangers and do not put yourself at risk. • Kneel beside and speak to casualty. Let them know you are there to help, and try to gain a response. Open airway • With your fingers under the chin and your other hand on the forehead, lift the chin and tilt the head gently upwards to open the airway. Check breathing • Look, Listen and Feel for breathing for 10 seconds. • Look for normal breathing. Top to Toe Survey (Secondary survey) • Loosen clothing around neck. • Look for any medical medallions or medic alert bracelets. • Check the body systematically and if no injuries are found place casualty in recovery position, if safe to do so. Recovery Position • Remove glasses and put them somewhere safe. • Raise the arm nearest to you and bend at elbow (do not force the arm) • Bring the arm furthest away from you and place the back of the hand on to the cheek closest to you. • Raise the far leg at the knee keeping the foot on the ground. • Pull at the knee to turn the casualty into the recovery position. • Once in position bring the leg to a right angle for comfort and support. • Ensure that the airway is open. • Call 999 or 112 for an ambulance. • Monitor casualty’s breathing until help arrives