If a casualty with facial trauma is conscious, how should they be positioned?

• A. Lie flat on back
• B. Sit them up and lean forward to maintain the airway
• C. Stand upright
• D. Lying on the left side

Answer: (B)

Maintaining an open airway is the priority when a conscious casualty has facial trauma. Blood, saliva, or debris can block the airway, and swelling can worsen obstruction. Sitting them up and leaning forward uses gravity to drain fluids away from the airway and keeps the tongue from blocking the airway, making breathing easier and reducing the risk of aspiration if they vomit. Lying flat on the back can allow blood and tissue to obstruct the airway, standing upright doesn’t assist drainage as well, and lying on the left side doesn’t provide the same airway-clearance advantage as the forward-leaning seated position.