Which position reduces the risk of aspiration in an unresponsive patient with adequate breathing and no suspected c-spine injury?

• A. Supine
• B. Recovery position
• C. Prone
• D. Trendelenburg

Answer: (B)

The main idea is protecting the airway in someone who is unresponsive but still breathing. When a patient is lying on their back, the tongue and soft tissues can fall back and secretions or small amounts of vomit can pool in the airway, leading to aspiration. Placing them in the recovery position—the side-lying position with the head supported—uses gravity to help keep the airway open and lets saliva, blood, or vomitus drain away from the trachea instead of toward it. This position also reduces the chance that the tongue will occlude the airway, which is a common risk in an unresponsive person.

Since there’s no suspected neck injury, turning them onto the side is appropriate and safer than other postures. The supine position increases airway obstruction risk and aspiration, while the prone position makes airway access and ventilation more difficult. The Trendelenburg position isn’t used for airway protection because it can worsen breathing and other physiological effects without offering airway advantages. When you place someone in the recovery position, ensure the head is supported, the top knee is bent for stability, and you continue to monitor their breathing closely.