1940's first aid and 1951 hospital protocol?

Hi, so my novel takes place in the mid 1940s early 50s anyways. Here's the situation. My grieving MC has just returned home from a bar having had drunk 'the limit' that the bar would allow him. Anyways he goes home and passes out in his bed next to his wife. Then sometime during the night he aspirates in his sleep. I know what they tell you to do these days but, I'm a bit hazy on what they would of taught them in the 40's. Does anyone know what they would of taught?
The year was 1951 but, since his wife probably would of gone on past knowledge. I need 40s information.
I tried to look it up and see if I could find a online version of a manual but no luck. Then when I looked up the recovery position it wasn't added to manuals till four years later. Paramedics are kind of out too since they didn't come out till the 60s.
So what would his wife or a neighbor in their apartment complex do to keep him from drowning in his own vomit? Then what would happen after he was taken to the hospital?