What is the recommended position for a casualty who is unconscious but breathing?

The recommended position for a casualty who is unconscious but still breathing is the recovery position. This position is crucial for ensuring that the airway remains open and clear while minimizing the risk of aspiration, which occurs when fluids or vomit can enter the lungs.

In the recovery position, the person is laid on their side, allowing any potential fluids to escape from the mouth rather than being inhaled. This orientation also prevents the tongue from blocking the airway, which can happen if the casualty is on their back. This position is specifically designed to support unconscious individuals who are still able to breathe independently, thereby providing a safe way to maintain airway patency until further medical help arrives.

Other positions mentioned, such as the sitting or standing positions, are not appropriate because they can compromise the casualty’s airway and increase the risk of choking or suffocation. The supine position, where a person is lying flat on their back, also poses the risk of airway obstruction and is therefore not recommended for an unconscious but breathing casualty. Thus, the recovery position is the safest and most effective choice in this scenario.