If an unresponsive patient is vomiting and you cannot place the recovery position, what is the recommended action?

If an unresponsive patient is vomiting and you cannot place the recovery position, what is the recommended action?

• A. Roll to the side to ensure airway; call EMS and begin CPR if needed.
• B. Wait for EMS only.
• C. Leave them unmonitored.
• D. Attempt to give mouth-to-mouth.

Answer: (A)

Airway protection takes priority when an unresponsive person is vomiting. Turning the person onto their side so the mouth faces downward (the recovery position) allows vomitus to drain away and helps keep the airway open, reducing the risk of aspiration. If you can’t place them fully into the recovery position, turning them toward the side still supports drainage and airway patency. At once, summon EMS so professional help is on the way. If the person is not breathing normally or has no pulse, begin CPR. Mouth-to-mouth is not advised when vomiting is present because it can push vomit into the airway. The goal is to keep the airway clear and begin life-saving care while help is on the way.

Airway protection takes priority when an unresponsive person is vomiting. Turning the person onto their side so the mouth faces downward (the recovery position) allows vomitus to drain away and helps keep the airway open, reducing the risk of aspiration. If you can’t place them fully into the recovery position, turning them toward the side still supports drainage and airway patency.

At once, summon EMS so professional help is on the way. If the person is not breathing normally or has no pulse, begin CPR. Mouth-to-mouth is not advised when vomiting is present because it can push vomit into the airway. The goal is to keep the airway clear and begin life-saving care while help is on the way.