When should an EMT use the recovery position?

Using the recovery position is appropriate for a patient who is unresponsive but breathing normally. This position helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of aspiration. When a patient is unresponsive, there is a potential for the airway to become compromised due to the tongue falling back or vomit entering the airway, thereby risking suffocation. The recovery position—lying on one side—facilitates drainage in case of vomiting and allows gravity to help keep the airway clear.

In contrast, when a patient is responsive and alert, they can maintain their own airway and might not require the recovery position. During cardiac arrest, the focus must be on immediate resuscitation efforts rather than positioning. For a patient experiencing active seizures, lying them on their side might be beneficial, but specific seizure management protocols are often necessary to ensure their safety without placing them in the recovery position unless they are unresponsive afterward. Thus, the recovery position is specifically designed for unresponsive patients who are still breathing normally to protect their airway effectively.