Emergency Mobilization & Safety Positions: A Quick Guide

Assessing the Need for Mobilization

In many cases, victims do not fully recover from initial first aid. It's often appropriate to consult professional services to confirm the best course of action. When deciding whether to evacuate to a hospital emergency room, determine if it's appropriate to wait for emergency services or if it's preferable to move the person to a safe location.

Improper handling and transport can aggravate injuries, especially fractures that could become open fractures if not handled correctly.

The recommended action sequence is:

1. Perform an emergency assessment and take appropriate actions on site.
2. Stabilize vital functions.
3. Decide whether to wait for emergency services or transfer the person to a hospital.
4. Place the person in the recovery position (PLS) or move them safely using a resistant and suitable method.

Safe Positioning and Waiting

The most suitable rest position for the victim depends on:

• The characteristics of the injury.
• The status of vital functions.
• The state of consciousness.

Stable Lateral Decubitus (Recovery Position - PLS)

Also called the PLS, this position involves the person lying on their side with limbs arranged to prevent them from rolling. It helps keep the airway clear and prevents aspiration from vomiting or bleeding. It's the preferred position for pregnant women and unconscious individuals.

Steps to place the victim in the recovery position:

1. Kneel in front of the victim and place them on their back (DS), with lower limbs stretched.
2. Extend the arm closest to you at a right angle with the palm facing up. Place the other arm across their chest, supporting it against the opposite cheek.
3. Bend the knee farthest from you, placing their foot on the ground.
4. Keeping the hand and knee positions, turn the person towards you and adjust their limbs to make them comfortable.
5. Secure the head in a slightly extended position to keep the airway open, adjusting the hand against the cheek to maintain the extension.

You can leave the victim lying on their left side unless:

• They have a broken bone on the side they would be lying on.
• If the person is a pregnant woman in her third trimester, she should lie on her left side to avoid the uterus compressing the vena cava and impeding venous return.

Dorsal Supine (DS)

This position involves the person lying face up. It's used when artificial ventilation is required or suspected. It's also used when a spinal injury is suspected.

Dorsal Supine with Flexion

The person lies on their back with a slight flexion of the neck and lower extremities. Pillows or folded blankets can be used to relax the abdominal muscles. This position is advised for shock and abdominal injuries.

Stretched with Feet Elevated (Trendelenburg)

Also known as the Trendelenburg position, this involves raising the person's feet about 20 cm above their head. This facilitates venous return, increasing blood flow to the lower extremities, heart, lungs, and brain. It's advised for people in shock.

Semi-Sitting

The person sits with their trunk leaning back about 30 degrees. It's easy to achieve by resting their head against a backrest or pillows. This position is advised for dyspnea, acute asthma attacks, inhalation of gaseous irritants, heart failure, or acute heart conditions.