What is the purpose of the recovery position?

The recovery position is specifically designed to help prevent choking in individuals who may be unconscious but still breathing. By placing a person on their side, any fluid or vomit that might enter the airway can drain out, reducing the risk of aspiration. This position keeps the airway clear and allows gravity to help keep secretions away from the throat, which is crucial if the person starts to vomit. Other choices, while they may have some benefits, do not capture the primary function of the recovery position as effectively as this one.