First aid tips: Why should you learn about the recovery position?

Aside from knowing the Heimlich maneuver and CPR for kids, parents also need to know how to put their children in the proper recovery position.

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What is the recovery position?

Did you know that only 25% of parents know how to place their children into the recovery position if they fall unconscious?

And around 17% of parents place their children in positions which were considered "dangerous" if they pass out. Hence, it's very important for parents to know exactly what to do in case their children fall unconscious.

The recovery position is surprisingly simple, and it's very effective when it comes to saving lives.

What are the steps?

It involves folding your unconscious child's arm under their neck so that it's stable, moving the other arm away, folding their knee up, and rolling them to the side. Once that's done, you can place their leg in a 90 degree position to keep them steady, and then you need to tilt their head back to keep their air passages clear.

This position ensures that your child is stable, and that they won't choke in case they accidentally vomit. This position also helps you look at their breathing to see if they're breathing normally or having problems.

Here's an in-depth video of how to do it:

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Now, you need to monitor your child's condition to see if it gets worse. In most cases, it's best to call for help or an ambulance just so you can be sure that your child is indeed safe, and that they didn't suffer any problems once they lost consciousness.

Even the most basic first aid steps can save lives, so it's extremely important that parents are aware of what they can do in case of an emergency.

Source: youtube.comadc.bmj.comhuffingtonpost.co.uk

READ: First aid tips: febrile seizures

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Written by

Jan Alwyn Batara