What is the recommended recovery position for an unconscious patient who is breathing adequately after an emergency?

• A. Supine with the head tilted back to open the airway.
• B. Upright seated position.
• C. Recovery position on the side with head turned to protect the airway.
• D. Prone position with the patient face down.

Answer: (C)

When someone is unconscious but breathing, the priority is to keep the airway open and prevent anything from being drawn into the lungs. The recovery position achieves this by placing the person on their side with the head turned slightly downward. This orientation allows the airway to stay clear, helps secretions or vomit drain away rather than toward the lungs, and uses gravity to reduce the chance of airway blockage. To do it safely, support the head with the lower arm, let the upper arm rest in front, bend the top leg at the knee to stabilise the position, and ensure the mouth remains facing downward enough to prevent aspiration. Monitor breathing and responsiveness and seek help if breathing becomes laboured or stops. The other positions aren’t suitable here: lying on the back can cause the tongue to obstruct the airway; sitting upright offers poor airway protection for an unconscious person; lying face down makes airway access and drainage difficult and increases aspiration risk.