H.A.IN.E.S. Recovery Position

Keeping incapacitated people safe.

What is H.A.IN.E.S.?Stands for High Arm in Endangered

Spine.

Meant to keep people stable until help

arrives.

Breathing passages remain open.

Spine is in proper alignment.

Who should be put in H.A.IN.E.S.?People who are unconscious (ie:

intoxication, serious falls, fainting, diabetic episodes, seizures, asthma attacks, etc.)

People suffering from shock.

People that must be left unattended to call for help.

Is it really necessary? Just leave them on their back!NO! Do not just leave them on their back!

Leaving the person on their back could be dangerous.

If they are unconscious they don’t swallow naturally and may choke to death on their saliva or vomit.

Getting into H.A.IN.E.S.Kneel beside the person’s waist (hips). Raise

the person’s farthest arm away from you by rotating it outwards, while keeping the palm facing upwards.

Getting into H.A.IN.E.S.Place the arm nearest to you across the

person’s chest, with fingers pointing to the opposite shoulder.

Getting into H.A.IN.E.S.Bend the person’s nearest leg at the knee.

Getting into H.A.IN.E.S.Carefully place your forearm-the one that is

nearest to the person’s head and neck-under the person’s shoulder to provide extra leverage. Place the hand of that arm under the hollow of the person’s neck and head to stabilize the person. DO NOT push or lift the person’s head or neck.

Getting into H.A.IN.E.S.Carefully roll the person away from you by

pushing simultaneously on the person’s nearest shoulder with your stabilizing forearm on the person’s flexed knee with your other hand.

Getting into H.A.IN.E.S.Pull the person’s top leg closer to the chest.

Getting into H.A.IN.E.S.Place the person’s upper hand on the

outstretched arm against the forehead.

Getting into H.A.IN.E.S.Check the person’s airway and, if required,

clear the airway with the face turned slightly downwards to permit drainage from the mouth.

Once that is all done…Treat the person for shock, ensure the ABC’s

are present and monitor the quality of the person’s vital signs (heart beat, pulse, etc.).

Practice time!!!Pick a partner and practice putting each

other into the H.A.IN.E.S. Recover Position.

Remember, there are real reasons why it is good to know how to apply this position(think about what happens at parties…;)).