What is the best position for an unresponsive patient with a clenched jaw and vomiting?

The lateral recumbent position, also known as the recovery position, is the best choice for an unresponsive patient who has a clenched jaw and is vomiting. This position involves placing the patient on their side, which helps to prevent aspiration of vomit. By positioning the patient laterally, the airway is kept clear, and gravity assists in allowing any fluids to drain from the mouth rather than pooling or being inhaled into the lungs.

In this case, a supine position, where the patient lays flat on their back, would increase the risk of aspiration since any vomit could easily obstruct the airway. The sitting position would not provide adequate airway protection and might exhaust the patient further, especially if they are unresponsive. The Trendelenburg position, which involves the patient being laid flat on their back with the legs elevated, is generally not appropriate in this scenario as it does not facilitate airway management and can also lead to aspiration risks. Therefore, the lateral recumbent position optimally secures the airway and minimizes the risk of aspiration while providing comfort to the patient.