20/11/2025
The recovery position is used when a casualty is unresponsive and breathing 🫁, allowing the head to be tilted back and preventing the airway from being blocked.
To put someone in the recovery position, you should:
Step 1: Check pockets and remove anything bulky 🔑📱. Straighten both legs🦵and place the arm that is nearest to you at a right angle with the palm facing upwards.
Step 2: Bring the far arm across the casualty’s chest and hold the back of their hand against the cheek nearest to you.
Step 3: Bend the far knee, keeping the foot flat on the ground. Keep their hand against their cheek, pull the far leg and roll the casualty towards you and on to their side.
Step 4: Adjust the top leg so that their hip and knee are bent at right angles. Tilt their head back and lift their chin to keep the airway open. Alert emergency services, if you haven’t already 🚑.
⏳ If they’re in the recovery position for more than 30 minutes, roll them on their back and then roll them on the opposite side – unless other injuries prevent you from doing so.
Remember: Staying calm and knowing this simple technique can make all the difference 💜