What is the term for lying on one's side?

The term for lying on one's side is commonly referred to as the "recovery position." This position is particularly important in emergency care as it helps to keep the airway open and allows for drainage of fluids from the mouth, which is crucial in cases where a patient is unconscious but still breathing. The recovery position minimizes the risk of aspiration and supports optimal respiratory function during the post-rescue period.

Supine refers to lying flat on the back, while prone indicates being flat on one's belly. Ventral describes the front or belly side of the body, rather than a specific position. Understanding these terms is essential in emergency medicine as they relate to patient positioning and care.