Recovery position
The recovery position is a first aid technique recommended for assisting people who are unconscious, or nearly so, but are still breathing. It is frequently taught as part of classes in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation}.
One of the aims of the recovery position is turning the unconscious person on their side so that if the person vomits, the person will throw up properly. When an unconscious person is lying flat on their back, he or she is at risk of having the stomach contents come up the esophagus and fall back into the lungs and subsequently suffocate.
This is a common risk with unconsciousness caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and is one of the reasons that many people die from drinking too much alcohol, since it by itself is rarely poisonous enough to kill someone on its own. However, if someone passes out, lies flat and then begins to vomit, the vomit often falls back into the lungs rather than exiting the mouth. If the volume of stomach contents is enough, the victim in such a circumstance will actually drown.
It is also a risk with any condition in which a person becomes unconscious.
If the volume is less, the stomach acid will attack the inner lining of the lungs and the victim will suffer a condition known as Halifax St. John Ambulance.
