In which scenario should you NOT place an unconscious patient in the recovery position?

The recovery position is used to ensure that an unconscious patient who is breathing adequately and has a stable airway is positioned safely to prevent aspiration or airway obstruction. However, in situations where there are indications of trauma, particularly to the head, neck, or spine, placing the patient in the recovery position could potentially exacerbate any existing injuries. This technique involves rolling the patient onto their side, which might cause additional movement that could be harmful if there are suspected spinal injuries. Thus, preserving the patient's current condition without unnecessary movement is critical in trauma scenarios, and medical personnel often prioritize stabilizing the patient before deciding on their positioning.

In other scenarios, such as when the patient is conscious, placing them in the recovery position is irrelevant, and when a patient is breathing adequately and has a pulse, they can be safely positioned without the same concerns present in trauma cases.