How to Safely Package & Transport an Unconscious Patient

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When a worker is unconscious, maintaining a clear airway and ensuring safe transport are the top priorities for a first aid attendant with a Transportation Endorsement. Unconscious patients cannot protect their own airways, making them vulnerable to airway obstruction, aspiration, or respiratory failure.

For WorkSafeBC-certified first aid attendants, knowing how to properly package and transport an unconscious patient—especially in the ¾-prone position—is essential for preventing complications and ensuring safe arrival at medical care.

This guide will cover:
Why airway management is critical for unconscious patients
How to properly package an unconscious worker for transport
When to use the ¾-prone position and how to maintain it safely
What to do if the patient’s condition changes during transport


Why Unconscious Patients Require Special Care During Transport

Unlike conscious patients, an unconscious patient cannot control their airway, meaning:

🚨 The tongue, soft palate, or epiglottis may block airflow.
🚨 Fluids like saliva, vomit, or blood can pool in the throat, leading to aspiration.
🚨 Without intervention, airway obstruction can lead to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.

This is why proper airway management, positioning, and continuous monitoring are critical when transporting unconscious patients.


Key Principles for Packaging an Unconscious Patient

To safely transport an unconscious worker, a Transportation Endorsement first aid attendant must follow these essential principles:

Airway Management is the Top Priority – Keep the airway open using a head-tilt chin-lift.
Use the ¾-Prone Position – This prevents airway obstruction and allows fluids to drain.
Continuous Monitoring is Crucial – Reassess airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) every five minutes.
Secure but Comfortable Packaging – Minimize unnecessary movement while allowing for easy monitoring.
Use Proper EquipmentScoop stretchers, basket stretchers, and padding help maintain patient stability.


Step-by-Step Guide to Packaging an Unconscious Patient for Transport

Step 1: Initial Assessment 🩺

✔️ Ensure the scene is safe before approaching the patient.
✔️ Try to establish responsiveness – Speak loudly and apply a pain stimulus (e.g., pressing a fingernail).
✔️ Look for clues about what caused the unconsciousness (e.g., trauma, medical condition).


Step 2: Primary Survey (ABCs & Critical Interventions) 🚨

✔️ Airway: Open the airway using a head-tilt chin-lift.
✔️ Breathing: Check for normal breathing for 5–10 seconds (look, listen, and feel).
✔️ Circulation: Assess skin temperature and color for signs of shock (cool, pale, clammy skin).
✔️ Rapid Body Survey: Identify massive bleeding or fractures.

🚑 If the patient is not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately.


Step 3: Activate Emergency Response 📞

✔️ Call for an ambulance or activate workplace emergency response.
✔️ Provide details on the patient’s condition, including:

  • Consciousness level
  • Breathing status
  • Suspected cause (trauma, seizure, medical emergency, etc.)

Step 4: Position the Patient in the ¾-Prone (Recovery) Position

Once the primary survey is complete, it’s time to safely position the patient:

🔹 Carefully roll the patient into the ¾-prone position.
🔹 Ensure the airway remains clear (no obstructions).
🔹 Use padding and blankets for comfort and stability.
🔹 Monitor breathing after positioning.

👉 Why the ¾-Prone Position?

  • Prevents airway obstruction by keeping the tongue and fluids from blocking airflow.
  • Reduces aspiration risk (fluids drain from the mouth instead of pooling in the throat).
  • Provides stability during transport while allowing continuous monitoring.

Step 5: Secure the Patient for Transport

If a scoop stretcher is available:
✔️ Roll the patient slightly and slide one half of the stretcher under them.
✔️ Repeat on the other side, then lock the stretcher together.
✔️ Secure the patient using straps, ensuring:

  • The ¾-prone position is maintained.
  • Straps do not interfere with breathing.

If using a basket stretcher:
✔️ Use safe lifting techniques to transfer the patient into the basket stretcher.
✔️ Ensure padding is in place to maintain the ¾-prone position.


Step 6: Transport & Ongoing Care 🚑

Once the patient is secured inside the Emergency Transport Vehicle (ETV):

✔️ Reassess ABCs every five minutes during transport.
✔️ Keep airway equipment ready (e.g., suction devices in case of fluids).
✔️ Notify the next level of care (paramedics, hospital staff) and provide details:

  • Patient’s condition upon arrival
  • Positioning used for transport
  • Any interventions performed

What to Do If the Patient’s Condition Changes During Transport

🛑 If the patient’s breathing becomes inadequate:
✔️ Reposition the airway or prepare for assisted ventilation.

🛑 If the patient stops breathing:
✔️ Stop the vehicle immediately.
✔️ Begin CPR (30:2 ratio).
✔️ Use an AED if available.
✔️ Have the driver notify medical aid of the change in condition and location.


Key Takeaways for Transportation Endorsement First Aid Attendants

✔️ Airway management is the most critical factor when packaging an unconscious patient.
✔️ The ¾-prone position is the safest way to prevent airway obstruction.
✔️ Continuous monitoring of ABCs is essential throughout transport.
✔️ Use proper equipment (scoop stretchers, basket stretchers) for secure transport.
✔️ Be prepared to act quickly if the patient’s condition worsens.

By following these best practices, first aid attendants with a Transportation Endorsement can confidently transport unconscious patients safely, ensuring the best possible outcome.


Get WorkSafeBC-Certified in Transportation Endorsement & Unconscious Patient Transport!

At Fundamental First Aid in Vancouver, we offer WorkSafeBC-approved Transportation Endorsement first aid courses, teaching:

🚑 Proper techniques for unconscious patient transport
🚑 Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR) and ¾-prone positioning
🚑 Emergency airway management during transport

👉 Train with us today—book your Transportation Endorsement course and gain the skills needed for safe patient transport!

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