Body Recovery Position

Follow these general steps to place someone’s body in the recovery position if they are lying on their back and unconscious but breathing:

Preliminary Steps

1. Check for Responsiveness: Gently tap or shake the person and ask loudly, “Are you OK?”
2. Call for Help: If the person is unresponsive, call emergency services immediately or instruct someone else to do so. Call 112.
3. Assess the Situation: Check for obvious signs of injury, breathing, and whether the person is in immediate danger (e.g., near fire, water, or a busy road).

Placing in the Recovery Position

1. Open Airway: Tilt the person’s head backward by lifting the chin gently. Make sure the airway is clear.
2. Check for breathing.
3. If no breathing is detected – call 112 and start CPR. Skip the rest of the steps below. If breathing is detected proceed below.
4. Arm Position: Extend the arm that is nearest to you, perpendicular to the body.
5. Opposite Arm: Take the arm farthest from you and fold it so that the back of the hand is against the cheek nearest to you. Hold it in place as you move on to the next step.
6. Leg Position: Take the leg farthest from you and bend the knee, keeping the foot flat on the ground.
7. Roll Over: Gently roll the person toward you, being careful to support the head and neck. Aim to roll the person onto their side.
8. Adjust Position: The top arm should be supporting the head, and the bent leg should be at a right angle to keep the person from rolling onto their stomach.
   • Head Tilt: Ensure the head is tilted back to maintain an open airway. Make any adjustments needed so the mouth is open and draining. Choking first aid.
   • Monitor: Stay with the person and continue to monitor their condition until medical help arrives. Check for any changes in color or breathing. Learn how to perform CPR.

Important Points

• Do not use the recovery position if you suspect a spinal injury, if the person is in respiratory distress, or if it contradicts any advice given by healthcare professionals on the scene or over the phone.
• Adapt for Special Circumstances: Pregnant women, for instance, should ideally be rolled onto their left side to improve blood flow to the heart and fetus.
• CPR: If at any point the person stops breathing, and you are trained in CPR, begin administering it immediately.

Consult medical professionals for proper training and procedures regarding the recovery position and other first-aid techniques.

The information provided in the health-related guides is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as, nor should it be considered, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in these guides. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.