When should an EMT use the recovery position?

Using the recovery position is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of an unconscious patient who is still breathing adequately. This position helps to maintain an open airway, which is crucial because a patient who is unconscious is at risk of airway obstruction due to the tongue or potential aspiration of fluids. By placing them in the recovery position—typically on their side—gravity helps to keep the airway clear and allows any accumulated fluids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of choking or asphyxiation.

The recovery position is not appropriate for a fully alert and responsive patient, as they would be able to maintain their own airway and would not require external assistance in positioning. Similarly, it is not suitable for a patient who is breathing normally and sitting up, as that position is already safe and effective for airway management. Lastly, in the event of cardiac arrest, immediate resuscitation efforts, including CPR and the use of an AED, take priority over positioning, making the recovery position irrelevant in that scenario.