The Lateral Safety Position (LSP) is an essential first-aid technique for maintaining an unobstructed airway in an unconscious victim with vital signs. It consists of placing the victim on his or her side, in a position commonly referred to as the "rifle dog".
When applying PLS, the victim is positioned on his side with his head aligned with the axis of his back and his mouth open. This position prevents obstruction of the airway by the tongue or other obstacles, keeping the airway permeable.
It should be noted that if the victim suffers trauma to the spine or spinal column, the rollover maneuver must be performed with care. In such cases, several rescuers may be needed to keep the head, neck and trunk aligned in a straight line, without twisting or jerking.
PLS is an essential measure to ensure the victim's safety and stability until medical help arrives. It helps prevent the risk of asphyxiation and maintains adequate ventilation, thus contributing to the victim's survival until more advanced medical care can be provided.
It is essential to learn the PLS technique as part of first aid training, so as to be ready to react effectively in an emergency. It is also important to note that PLS is not suitable for all situations, and that an assessment of the specific situation and appropriate skills is needed to make the best decision regarding rescue and care of the victim.
Objectives of the Lateral Safety Position
The main objective of the Lateral Safety Position (LSP) is to keep the upper airway open to allow air to reach the lungs. When dealing with an unconscious person, there are two major risks:
- obstruction of the airway by closing the epiglottis, a valve that normally prevents food from entering the lungs
- the backflow of gastric contents into the lungs (when the muscle that closes the stomach has lost its tone).
How to set up the lateral safety position
The victim is placed on his or her side in a position known as the "dog's head", keeping the head aligned with the axis of the back and the mouth open. This position is called lateral decubitus, meaning that the body is horizontal and turned to the side.
If more than one rescuer is present and there is a risk of cervical trauma, it is possible to use all of them to perform the "block" rollover maneuver to keep the head-neck-trunk axis straight and untwisted. The most experienced rescuer stands at the victim's head and holds the victim in his or her hands. He or she will serve as the coordinator for the rollover maneuver.
In brief
The lateral position is a crucial technique for maintaining an open airway in the event of unconsciousness. It is important to know and master it in order to be able to respond effectively in an emergency situation. It is also important to train regularly to keep your skills current and to be able to respond effectively in an emergency situation.