You and the other members of your family should know about the recovery position. In cases of unconsciousness or serious injury, this is the best way to position a breathing adult until help arrives. It’s designed to keep anything such as blood, vomit, or the tongue from blocking the windpipe and choking the victim. Place the person in the recovery position as soon as possible. However, first, make sure that he is breathing. If he is not, apply artificial respiration. If necessary check his pulse and give CPR. Significant bleeding should also be controlled. Once you have placed someone in the recovery position, it’s important to check frequently to be certain he is still breathing.
Caution: Do not use this position for someone who has sustained a head, neck, or back injury; in that case, the victim should not be moved at all. also, do not use the position for a child; instead, let an injured but breathing child lie as he is.
- Kneel beside the victim and tum his head toward you. Keeping the closer arm straight, tuck it under the body. Put the other arm across the chest.
- Lift the ankle that is farther from you over the other ankle, so that the legs are crossed.
- Roll the victim onto his stomach: grasp his clothing at the far hip and pull while cushioning the head with your other hand and supporting the body with your knees. Tilt the victim’s head back to open the airway.
- Bend the arm near you to prop up the victim’s upper body. Bend the leg near you to prop up the lower body. Pull the other arm out from under the victim and lay it straight beside his body.
Making an Emergency Call
Your local emergency number should be listed on the front of your telephone book; post it
near every phone in your home and office. if you ore using o public phone, you do not need to pay when calling this number. When the operator answers, give the following information:
- The site of the emergency (include names of cross streets, if possible)
- The number of the telephone you are using
- Your name (if you wish)
- What happened to the victim-for example, a fire or car accident
- The number of people injured
- The victim’s condition, including any obvious injuries
- Any first aid currently being given
Caution: Do not hang up until the operator tells you to. This way, you will be sure that you have answered all questions.
