Recovery Position Guide
The recovery position is a crucial first aid technique used for a person who is unconscious but breathing normally. Its main purpose is to keep their airway open and clear, preventing them from choking on vomit or fluids.
Key Goal:To keep the person safe and stable while you wait for medical help to arrive.
- American Red Cross. Conscious Choking vs. Unconscious. Learn More.
- St. John Ambulance. How to put someone in the recovery position. View Guide.
A step-by-step guide to keeping an airway open.
When to Use the Recovery Position
Use this technique ONLY if a person is:
- Unresponsive: They do not respond to sound or touch.
- Breathing Normally: You can see their chest rising and falling and can hear or feel their breath.
Do NOT use if you suspect a spinal injury, unless it is absolutely necessary to clear their airway.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Kneel beside the person. Place their arm that is nearest to you at a right angle to their body, with the elbow bent and the palm facing up.
- Bring the other arm across their chest. Place the back of their hand against the cheek on your side.
- Use your other hand to lift their far knee. Bend it so their foot is flat on the floor.
- Gently pull on the bent knee to roll the person towards you. Their body will roll onto its side. Their top leg will prevent them from rolling too far.
- Adjust the top leg. The hip and knee should be bent at right angles to provide stability.
- Tilt their head back slightly. This ensures the airway remains open by lifting the tongue from the back of the throat. Check that nothing is obstructing their mouth.
- Monitor their breathing continuously while you wait for medical help to arrive.
This guide is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional first aid training. Your first action in an emergency should always be to call for professional medical help. If the person stops breathing at any point, roll them onto their back and be prepared to start CPR.