Emergency

Recovery Position

If someone is unresponsive but breathing normally, place them on their side in the recovery position to keep their airway open, and call 999.

When to call 999. Call 999 for anyone who is unresponsive. Keep checking that they are still breathing normally while you wait, and be ready to start CPR if breathing stops or becomes abnormal.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Kneel beside the person. Place the arm nearest you out at a right angle to their body, elbow bent, palm up.
  2. Bring their far arm across the chest and hold the back of their hand against the cheek nearest you.
  3. With your other hand, lift the far knee up so the foot is flat on the floor.
  4. Pull on the far knee to roll them towards you onto their side.
  5. Adjust the top leg so both the hip and knee are bent at right angles, and tilt the head back gently to keep the airway open.
  6. Call 999 if not already done, and keep checking their breathing until help arrives.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not use the recovery position if you suspect a serious spinal injury unless keeping the airway open is essential — in that case try to keep the head and neck aligned. Do not leave the person alone; keep monitoring their breathing.

Afterwards and while you wait

Stay with the person, keep them warm, and re-check their breathing regularly. If they stop breathing normally at any point, roll them onto their back and start CPR. Note anything you know about what happened to tell the ambulance crew.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Recovery Position: frequently asked questions

Why use the recovery position?

Lying on the side with the airway open helps prevent the tongue blocking the throat and allows any vomit or fluid to drain out, reducing the risk of choking in someone who cannot protect their own airway.

What if I think there is a spinal injury?

Keeping the airway open takes priority in an unresponsive person. Try to move them as little as possible and keep the head and neck in line, ideally with help, while keeping them breathing.

Related

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • Resuscitation Council UK
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance

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