Recovery position associated with reduced rate of admission

Loss of consciousness is often seen but the response of care givers has been poorly investigated. The recovery position into which an unconscious child can be placed to protect the airway (and keep it clear and open) is a well known first aid manoeuvre. Martinez et al report a prospective cohort seen following an episode of loss of consciousness. Seizures were the most frequent cause (n=278, 147 febrile) followed by vasovagal syncope (n=124). Caregivers put the child in the recovery position in just 145 cases (26%). In another 53% of cases, some other manoeuvre was used—most notable was the potentially dangerous use of shaking in 91 cases (16.5%). 56% of cases were admitted. The recovery position was independently associated with a reduced rate of admission to hospital.

The authors call for a push to inform and educate about the importance of the recovery position. We as paediatricians have a key role to play in this particularly as for many of the children in this study there had been a previous episode requiring hospital assessment.

In an accompanying editorial Robert Tasker discusses ‘Positioning …