What is the purpose of the recovery position?

The recovery position is specifically designed to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration in an unresponsive patient who is breathing. When someone is unconscious but still has intact airway reflexes, placing them in this position (generally on their side) allows gravity to assist in keeping fluids and secretions from blocking the airway. It also helps to reduce the risk of aspiration, which could lead to further respiratory complications or choking.

In this position, since the patient is turned to the side, any fluids, such as saliva or vomit, can drain out of the mouth instead of being inhaled into the lungs. This is critical in emergency situations where protective airway reflexes may be compromised due to the patient's condition.

The other options focus on different aspects of patient care. Stabilizing a fractured limb relates to managing trauma, while facilitating chest compressions during CPR is essential for cardiac arrest scenarios. Providing comfort to a conscious patient is important, but it is not the primary purpose of the recovery position, which is more focused on airway management for unresponsive individuals.