In situations where a person is at risk of choking on vomit, it may be advisable to place them in a position where vomit can exit the mouth rather than fall into the airways. Sometimes, however, injuries can occur, such as spinal fractures, in which case this may not be the best course of action. In addition to controlling vomiting, it is important to recognize that vomiting can be an indication of a serious illness that may need immediate medical attention.
Several different medical conditions can cause a person to vomit and be unable to control their movements. Heat exhaustion can cause vomiting, as can injuries to the head or other areas of the body. In addition to medical conditions, excessive alcohol or drug use can make an individual drowsy or cause an unconscious state, where the person is unable to wake up enough to avoid choking on vomit.
A person who has an injury or illness that makes them prone to vomiting and unable to move their body to respond to vomiting requires the supervision of another person until a medical professional can attend to the patient. In situations where the person does not have any injuries, and where it is known to be safe to do so, then the individual may roll onto their side. This allows vomit to pass out of the mouth and not back up into the airways, where it can block incoming air and potentially kill the person.
It is not necessary to turn a person onto their side to receive first aid, unless there is a risk of choking from vomit or another substance such as blood. The act of moving a person can also worsen existing injuries and, in the case of spinal or head injuries, can cause permanent paralysis. However, if the person is really choking on vomit and needs to be moved, moving the body, neck, and head at the same time can reduce the risk.
Even when the person is on your side and is no longer at risk of choking on vomit, they may be at risk for other complications. Vomiting can be a sign of serious medical problems, which may not be immediately apparent to the person administering first aid. Medical attention should always be sought, in case the person experiences problems other than vomiting.