<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> All forms of the recovery position share basic principles . The mouth is downward so that fluid can drain from the patient's airway; the chin is well up to keep the epiglottis opened . Arms and legs are locked to stabilize the position of the patient </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> The recovery position refers to one of a series of variations on a lateral recumbent or three - quarters prone position of the body, in to which an unconscious but breathing casualty can be placed as part of first aid treatment . </P> <P> An unconscious person, a person who is assessed on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at eight or below, in a supine position (on the back) may not be able to maintain an open airway as a conscious person would . This can lead to an obstruction of the airway, restricting the flow of air and preventing gaseous exchange, which then causes hypoxia, which is life - threatening . Thousands of fatalities occur every year in casualties where the cause of unconsciousness was not fatal, but where airway obstruction caused the patient to suffocate . The cause of unconsciousness can be any reason from trauma to intoxication from alcohol . </P>

When should a casualty be placed into the recovery (lateral) position