In what position should residents eat to avoid choking?

To help residents avoid choking while eating, the most appropriate position is Fowler's position. This position involves the individual sitting upright or at an angle, typically between 45 to 60 degrees. Fowler’s position is beneficial because it allows for better swallowing and decreases the risk of food entering the airway, which can lead to choking.

When a person is upright, gravity assists in the movement of food down the esophagus, making the swallowing process safer. This seating arrangement is also more comfortable for many individuals and can promote effective digestion.

Other positions, such as supine (lying flat on the back), prone (lying on the stomach), or sitting cross-legged, do not provide the necessary angle or support to safely manage eating and swallowing, thereby increasing the risk of choking.