What is an essential criterion for a patient to be safely placed in the recovery position?

The criterion that states the patient must be breathing adequately is crucial for safely placing a person in the recovery position. This position is specifically designed to maintain an open airway and allow for proper drainage of fluids, such as saliva or vomit, which helps to prevent choking. If a patient is not breathing adequately, placing them in the recovery position may not sufficiently address their needs, and they could be at risk for airway obstructions.

Although it is important for a patient to be conscious to protect their airway and assess their ability to maintain breathing, the primary concern is adequate breathing. Patients who are unconscious but still breathing can be placed in the recovery position, whereas those who are not breathing require immediate life-saving interventions such as CPR, rather than positioning. Hence, adequate breathing is the essential criterion for safely using this life-saving technique.