During CPR, when is it appropriate to roll the unresponsive patient to the recovery position?

During CPR, when is it appropriate to roll the unresponsive patient to the recovery position?

• A. Before starting CPR.
• B. Only after EMS arrives.
• C. Never during CPR.
• D. After breaths are given to clear the airway.

Answer: (D)

The recovery position is used to keep the airway open for an unresponsive person who is breathing adequately on their own and not in need of ongoing chest compressions. In CPR, you don’t move the person to the recovery position during active compressions. You would transition to the recovery position only after you have provided breaths to attempt to clear the airway and you determine that the person is breathing (even if still unresponsive). So, after you’ve given rescue breaths to clear the airway, you place the person on their side in the recovery position to maintain the airway and prevent aspiration while you continue to monitor and wait for EMS. The other timings don’t fit because moving before starting CPR would interrupt care, waiting for EMS would delay aid, and you wouldn’t use the recovery position while actively performing CPR.

The recovery position is used to keep the airway open for an unresponsive person who is breathing adequately on their own and not in need of ongoing chest compressions. In CPR, you don’t move the person to the recovery position during active compressions. You would transition to the recovery position only after you have provided breaths to attempt to clear the airway and you determine that the person is breathing (even if still unresponsive).

So, after you’ve given rescue breaths to clear the airway, you place the person on their side in the recovery position to maintain the airway and prevent aspiration while you continue to monitor and wait for EMS. The other timings don’t fit because moving before starting CPR would interrupt care, waiting for EMS would delay aid, and you wouldn’t use the recovery position while actively performing CPR.