If an accident victim is vomiting and suspected of having internal bleeding, in what position should they be placed to ensure their safety?

Question

DentroTest · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is the Lateral or recovery position (commonly called the Lateral Safety Position, or PLS). Why this one and not the anti-shock position? Although the general rule for internal bleeding or shock is the anti-shock position (lying face up with the legs raised to promote blood flow to the brain), there is a critical exception: vomiting. Keeping the airway open is the absolute priority in first aid (ABC rule). If you place a person who is vomiting face up or with the legs raised, the vomit will build up in the throat and could be inhaled into the lungs (aspiration), causing asphyxia or severe pneumonia. For that reason, the position that is ideal for bleeding is sacrificed in favor of the lateral position, which lets fluids drain out by gravity and prevents choking.

If an accident victim is vomiting and suspected of having internal bleeding, in what position should they be placed to ensure their safety?

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