What position should a person be in if they are vomiting?

When a person is vomiting, the safest position for them to be in is on their side. This position helps to prevent choking and ensures that any vomit can exit the mouth freely without possibly re-entering the airway. By lying on their side, gravity assists in keeping the airway clear, significantly reducing the risk of aspiration, where vomit could be inhaled into the lungs, which can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia.

The other positions are not advisable in this situation. For instance, lying on the back could allow vomit to flow back into the throat, increasing the risk of choking. Seated upright may not support the airway adequately and could be uncomfortable if the person continues to vomit. Lying flat on the stomach is also unsafe because it could obstruct breathing and limit the ability to expel vomit if necessary. Thus, placing the person on their side is the most effective way to ensure their safety while they are vomiting.