How to put someone in the recovery position

How to put an adult in the recovery position

If a person is unresponsive but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position. This helps keep their airway open and lets fluids drain safely.

When to use the recovery position

• After your primary survey confirms the person is unresponsive but breathing normally.
• Use it while you call 999 or 112 and wait for help, or while you monitor their breathing.

Step-by-step: what to do

1) Prepare

• Kneel beside the person and straighten both legs.
• Remove glasses and any bulky items from pockets. (Do not search for small items.)

2) Position the near arm

• Place the arm nearest you at a right angle to their body, elbow bent, palm facing up.

3) Position the far arm

• Bring the far arm across their chest and place the back of their hand against the cheek nearest you. Hold it there to support the head.

4) Bend the far knee

• With your other hand, pull the far knee up so the foot is flat on the floor.

5) Roll onto their side

• Keeping their hand pressed against their cheek, pull on the far leg to roll them towards you onto their side.
• Adjust the top leg so the hip and knee are bent at a right angle for stability.

6) Open the airway

• Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to maintain an open airway.
• Adjust the hand under the cheek to help keep the head tilted.

Call for help and monitor

• Call 999/112 if not already done.
• Monitor breathing and response continuously until help arrives.
• If they remain in the position for 30 minutes, roll them onto the other side to relieve pressure points.