Helpless and perplexed, many of us are when we have to give first aid to an injured or sick person. However, no one should avoid serving others, because providing help is a duty. Failure to do so is punishable by a fine or imprisonment. The penal code, however, requires everyone to provide only reasonable assistance. The least anyone has to do is secure the scene of the accident, rescue the suddenly ill person from the danger zone and immediately call the rescue service. Until they arrive, the casualty must be protected from further harm. This includes vital immediate measures such as the stable side position, which saves the life of the helpless patient.
What is the stable lateral position?
Infographic on the stable lateral position as part of first aid. Click to enlarge. Download here to print. If a person is unconscious, first aid requires first checking his breathing and pulse at the wrist or with four fingers on the carotid artery. If his heart is beating and he is breathing spontaneously, he must be placed in the recovery position. Infants and small children up to the age of four are an exception. They are placed on their stomachs without a pillow, their arms are spread out and their heads are turned to the side. The purpose of the recovery position is to prevent the unconscious person from choking on vomit or blood. Before doing this, it is essential to check the casualty’s oral cavity and remove any vomit, mucus or loose bits of dentition.
Function, effect and goals
The stable lateral position is performed in six steps. First, approach the unconscious person from the side and slide your own hand under his buttocks. You place the patient’s arm facing you extended close to the side of his body. Secondly, you bend the leg facing you and stand it up. In the third step, grasp the shoulder and hip of the fainter and pull him over to you. You pull the arm that is down toward you in the fourth step and angle it as well. Step number five means putting the head far back on the neck to keep the airway clear. In the last step, place the injured person’s hand palm down under his cheek so that his face rests on the back of his hand. The causes of unconsciousness can be a harmless circulatory collapse, very low blood pressure or dehydration, but also head injuries with concussion, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral contusion, electrocution, poisoning, hypothermia, skull fracture or stroke. The recovery position may only be used if the vital functions of breathing and pulse are maintained. Breathing and pulse must be constantly monitored until the arrival of the emergency physician. If shock develops, the stable lateral position must be combined with a head-down position. Craniocerebral injuries are an exception. They are placed in the recovery position and the head is raised slightly. If respiratory arrest suddenly occurs or if the pulse can no longer be felt, the patient must be immediately transferred from the stable lateral position to the supine position, the airways must be cleared and resuscitation can begin. Certain injuries require special measures. If the arms or collarbone are injured, the unconscious person must be positioned on the healthy side when placed in the stable lateral position. If the leg is broken, the injured leg is extended and the unconscious person is turned onto the injured side. If the chest is damaged, the patient is also placed on the injured side. The head must be slightly elevated if the casualty has a craniocerebral injury.
Risks and dangers
There are risks with all life-saving measures. Over-enthusiastic and nervous actions can cause as much harm as failure to assist. Even proper positioning, encouraging encouragement, and calmness can often prevent further life-threatening situations. Emergency patients are sensitive, even when they are unconscious. Fear and panic can cause additional shock. Those who radiate calm and act purposefully always convey a reassuring sense of security. The basic rule is to remain calm and then act. Since the obligation to provide first aid is enshrined in law, we should all regularly take a course, refresh our knowledge and practice the necessary hand movements, such as the recovery position.
