What position should a guest be placed in if they are suspected of being poisoned?

When dealing with a suspected poisoning case, placing a guest in the recovery position is the most appropriate response. This position involves the individual lying on their side, which helps maintain a clear airway and allows any fluids or vomit to drain from the mouth. This is a vital aspect of first aid, as it minimizes the risk of aspiration, which can occur if a person is conscious but unable to protect their airway.

In this position, the guest’s airway remains open and accessible, and it also provides stability without putting pressure on the chest, enabling easier breathing. It is particularly important to keep someone in this position if they are unconscious but still breathing, as this can prevent choking in case they become less responsive.

Other positions, such as supine (lying on the back) or prone (lying face down), do not provide the same benefits for airway management and increase the risk of blocking the airway or choking. The sitting position might also not effectively protect the airway, especially if the guest becomes restless or loses consciousness. Thus, the recovery position serves as the safest and most effective choice in suspected poisoning scenarios.