JBL EMT Practice Exam

In the recovery position, the patient is:

1. Lying face down

2. Lying face up

3. On his or her side

4. Sitting upright

The correct answer is: Lying face down

In the recovery position, the patient is lying on his or her side. This position helps keep the airway clear and open, allowing any fluids, such as vomit, to drain out of the mouth instead of potentially causing obstruction or aspiration if the patient were lying on their back (choice B) or stomach (choice A). Sitting upright (choice D) is not part of the recovery position protocol for maintaining a patent airway in an unconscious patient.