When monitoring an unresponsive patient, what position should they be placed in?

The correct position for an unresponsive patient to be placed in is the recovery position. This position is particularly important because it helps maintain an open airway while also reducing the risk of aspiration, which is the inhalation of foreign material such as vomit into the lungs. By positioning the patient on their side, any fluids that may come up can drain out of the mouth, allowing the airway to remain clear.

In the context of Basic Life Support, the recovery position is critical because it provides both safety and stability for the unresponsive individual. It also allows for easier monitoring of the patient's condition and is beneficial if the patient needs to be resuscitated or if emergency services arrive.

Other positions, such as prone (face down) or supine (face up), do not provide the same level of airway protection and monitoring. Standing is not appropriate for an unresponsive individual as it would pose a significant risk of falling and further injury. Therefore, the recovery position is the optimal choice in this scenario.