A position in which someone is lying face downwards, with one knee and one arm bent forwards and the face turned to one side.
Position in which victims of cardiac arrest should be placed after cardiopulmonary resuscitation if they resume breathing and regain a pulse in order to avoid airway obstruction; the victim is rolled onto his or her side, so that the head, shoulders, and torso move together. If trauma is suspected, the victim must not be moved.
Posture used to encourage full lung expansion where the patient is placed on the left side, with the left arm extended by the left ear and the right leg crossed over the left leg.
If an individual is unconscious whether as a result of accident or illness or when in the postoperative recovery unit but is breathing and has a pulse, he or she should be placed in the recovery position. The individual is turned on his or her side to allow the tongue to fall forwards and so reduce the likelihood of pharyngeal obstruction. Fluid in the mouth can also drain outwards instead of into the trachea and lungs. The person can lie on either side with upper or lower leg flexed. Sometimes the semiprone position is used; this gives better drainage from the mouth and greater stability during transport, but makes it more difficult to observe the face, colour or breathing.
The position in which the patient is placed on the left side with the left arm moved aside and supported to allow for lung expansion and the right leg crossed over the left. This position affords the unconscious, breathing patient the best protection from airway occlusion or aspiration of fluids into the lungs.
The recommended position for an unconscious but breathing individual while awaiting the arrival of medical assistance.
Position the body on its side, with the top leg bent at a 90-degree angle while keeping the bottom leg straight. The lower arm should also be bent at a 90-degree angle, and the upper arm should be bent so that the back of the hand rests against the lower cheek, supporting the head. The head should be tilted back to maintain an open airway. Individuals suspected of having spinal injuries should not be put in this position.