Recovery Position

When do you put someone into the Recovery Position?

If no serious bleeding, shock or spinal injury is found or suspected; then place your unconscious, breathing patient in the recovery position.

You place an unconscious, breathing patient in the recovery position to decrease the risk of airway obstruction by the tongue or aspiration of body fluids such as vomit.

How do you put someone into the Recovery Position?

Step 1.

Kneel at the casualty's side and place the arm nearest to you out at a right angle to the casualty's body with the elbow bent and the palm upward

Step 2.

Bring the casualty's far arm across the chest and hold the back of their hand against their cheek nearest to you – keep the hand in place.

Step 3.

With your other hand, grasp the far leg underneath the knee and raise so it is bent. The ankle should be in line or higher than the other leg's knee, keeping the foot on the ground.

Step 4.

Place your hand on the outer edge of the casualty's knee, keeping your other hand holding the casualty's hand to their face and press down on the knee towards you.

Press, do not pull as you are using the leg as a pivot.

Step 5.

Continue pressing on the knee, until the casualty's knee is on the floor, with the leg at a very firm right angle against your outer leg.

You can now start to move back from the casualty keeping hold of the head. As the casualty rolls onto their side, gently let the head lower to the ground.

The casualty's head will rest on their hand.

Step 7.

If need be, gently pull back on the casualty’s head to ensure an open airway.

And if the mouth is not open – open it.

Step 8.

Stay with your casualty and continually monitor their breathing, until an ambulance arrives.

Additional Points

If the casualty has to be kept in the recovery position for more than 30 minutes, the recommendation is to turn the casualty to the opposite side to relieve the pressure on their lower arm and side.

It is strongly advised that you attend one of our courses to understand what to do in a medical emergency. 

About Us

Rutland First Aid training provides a full suite of first aid training all tailored to your needs. We strongly recommend that everyone has some basic first aid skills, so why not attend one of our first aid courses and know how to do CPR as you could be the difference between your family member or even work colleagues survival.

Rutland First Aid Training provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Rutland First Aid Training is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information