How should patients that are unconscious or seizing be transported?

How should patients that are unconscious or seizing be transported?

• A. On their right side
• B. On their left side
• C. Supine
• D. Prone

Answer: (B)

Unconscious or seizing patients need their airway protected during transport, so place them in the recovery position—on their side with the head turned to keep the airway open and fluids able to drain away from the trachea. The left-side recovery position is preferred because the stomach sits on the left; gravity helps prevent regurgitation from reaching the airway and aids drainage of secretions or vomit. Transporting in a supine or prone position raises the risk of airway obstruction and aspiration if vomiting occurs, and the right side does not offer the same protective drainage and anatomical advantage as the left.

Unconscious or seizing patients need their airway protected during transport, so place them in the recovery position—on their side with the head turned to keep the airway open and fluids able to drain away from the trachea. The left-side recovery position is preferred because the stomach sits on the left; gravity helps prevent regurgitation from reaching the airway and aids drainage of secretions or vomit. Transporting in a supine or prone position raises the risk of airway obstruction and aspiration if vomiting occurs, and the right side does not offer the same protective drainage and anatomical advantage as the left.