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"
Quotable Quote "
The
beautiful things about learning is that no-one can take
away form you.
- B. B. King
Real communication happens when people feel safe.
- Ken
Blanchard
Beauty isn't worth thinking about; what's important is your
mind. You don't want a fifty-dollar haircut on a fifty-cent
head.
- Garrison
Keillor
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First
Aid |
The Unconscious Casualty
Any unconscious casualty who
remains on his or her back is at risk of an obstructed airway
through either inhaling vomitus (aspiration), or by having the
upper airway blocked by a relaxed tongue.
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Airway Open |
Airway Closed |
Airway Obstructed |
The most effective way of
eliminating this danger is to put the casualty in a position
that will ensure that the airway remains open by draining away
any vomitus, or by allowing the relaxed tongue to move away from
the opening of the airway. This position is called the stable
side position.
STABLE
SIDE ('LATERAL') POSITION
The most effective first aid method
of protecting an unconscious casualty's airway is to put the
casualty into what is called the
'STABLE SIDE, COMA, OR
'LATERAL', POSITION. This is a position of
comfort in which the casualty is effectively put on their side,
with the head down and tilted in such a way as to cause any
vomitus to be expelled onto the ground, and the tongue to
gravitate away from the airway opening.
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PREPARE THE CASUALTY by re-assessing
respirations, checking the pockets for bulky items, and
removing necklaces and spectacles, then...
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KNEEL
close to the casualty and put the arm furthest from you
straight out at 90 degrees
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PLACE
closest arm bent over the chest
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ELEVATE
and bend the closest leg at the knee
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SUPPORT
the casualty's head and neck with your hand, preventing
forward movement of the head
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PUSH
gently and firmly on the bent knee with your other hand -
the casualty will roll away from you into the side position
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POSITION
the casualty's bent leg to avoid further movement
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POSITION
the casualty's bent arm for comfort
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ADJUST
the casualty's head slightly to maintain an open airway
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CONTINUE
to observe for changes in patient's condition.
Generally it really does not matter
on which side the casualty is placed — except for women in
advanced pregnancy. These casualties are to be placed on their
LEFT side, unless prevented
by injuries, to avoid unnecessary distress to the foetus.
REMEMBER...
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ALL
unconscious casualties are to be placed in the stable
side position immediately,
including those suspected of spinal injury. The movement of
this type of casualty is to be done with extreme care, with
full support of head and neck during movement. Always try to
obtain assistance, as more than one person is required to
effectively move a spinal casualty, and all movement is to
be done with the head and spine aligned, by "Log Rolling'
the casualty using all available assistance. |
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