Life Preserving

As the key for first aid is to preserve life first aider should know the life threatening condition and the first aid associated. For any injured person to survive the requirement is to have open airway passage (Mouth, pharynx and nostrils) so the air can move down to the lungs. Conscious casualty can maintain their own airway but unconscious needs external assistance.

Obstruction by tongue by falling back or roll back into throat when the pt is lying on his back is commonest problem in unconscious persons. Lifting the head backward mechanically lifts the tongue thus clearing the airways.

If a pt is already breathing but is not conscious you as a first aider know the Recovery position.

Recovery Position

It is important that whichever method is used that the casualty should be in allowing for free drainage of fluid. The position should be stable any pressure on the chest that impairs breathing should be avoided. Good observation of and access to airway should be possible should minimize further injury to the casualty

8 Simple Steps

The following method shows you how to put someone into the recovery position if you are on your own – even if you think they could have a spinal injury.

1. Move the arm closest to you out of the way.
2. Use your hand which is closest to their head to hold their other hand and put this onto the side of their cheek to support the head and neck as you turn them
3. Use your other hand to lift up the outside of their knee.
4. Use this as a lever to pull them over.
5. Pull the knee to the floor, whilst supporting their head and neck with your other hand.
6. Strech the knees upwards just in running position to stabilize the body of casualty.Ensure their tongue is flipping out forward so as to drain their stomach contents .Remember that casualty should not be on their lungs but on the side to minimize pressure on the lungs. Bend th eknees to 90 degrees to support them on side.
   If no sign of neck injuries tilt the head backwards slightly.
7. Get the emergency services on the way if they haven’t been called before.
8. Keep checking that they are breathing using the back of your hand to fell their breath