Infant Recovery Position Reminder

Doctors have issued a reminder that unconscious infants and children should be put in the recovery position.

22:28 27 January 2016

Parents often panic when their child faints and loses consciousness that instead of putting them into recovery position, they would often shake or slap them to bring them round.

 

Doctors have reminded the public about the importance of putting their child into recovery position, which based on research, significantly lowers the risk of hospital admission. To do this, the following steps must be followed:

 

·       Kneel on the floor by the side of the child

 

·       Place the arm nearest you at a right angle to their body with their hand upwards, towards the head

 

·       Tuck the other hand under the side of the head, the back of the hand must be touching the cheek

 

·       Bend the knee farthest from you to a right angle

 

·       Roll the child on to his or her side by pulling on the bent knee

 

·       Tilt the head back to open the airway

 

·       Stay with the child and monitor their condition until help arrives

 

 

Lead researcher Dr Luigi Titomanlio said: "It is so simple to do. It's a simple manoeuvre that can be performed by even a six-year-old."

 

Dr Ffion Davies, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: "It would be great if studies like this prompt more parents to learn some basic first aid.

 

"It would not only help in situations of crisis but also give parents peace of mind that they are a little more prepared if faced with an emergency."