Recovery Position: How to Place an Unconscious Person Safely
The recovery position (also called the lateral recovery position or stable side position) is a fundamental first aid technique used to maintain an open airway in an unconscious person who is breathing normally. By positioning someone on their side with their head tilted back, you allow fluids to drain from the mouth and prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. This simple technique can be lifesaving while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.
Quick Facts: Recovery Position
Key Takeaways
- The recovery position is only for unconscious people who are breathing normally - if not breathing, start CPR immediately
- It prevents the tongue from blocking the airway and allows fluids to drain from the mouth
- Always call emergency services first or have someone call while you position the person
- The same technique works for both adults and children over 1 year old
- If you suspect spinal injury, only use the recovery position if you must leave the person alone or they're at risk of aspiration
- Monitor breathing continuously and be ready to start CPR if breathing stops
- Turn the person to the opposite side every 30 minutes if they remain unconscious
What Is the Recovery Position and Why Is It Important?
The recovery position is a first aid technique where an unconscious but breathing person is placed on their side to maintain an open airway and allow fluids to drain from the mouth. It is one of the most important basic life support skills because it can prevent choking and aspiration while waiting for emergency help to arrive.
The recovery position, sometimes called the lateral recovery position, stable side position, or coma position, represents a cornerstone of first aid training worldwide. This technique has been refined over decades of medical research and is now standardized in international resuscitation guidelines from organizations including the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), and the American Heart Association (AHA).
When a person becomes unconscious, they lose the protective reflexes that normally keep the airway clear. The muscles of the tongue relax and can fall backward into the throat, potentially blocking airflow completely. Additionally, unconscious individuals cannot cough or swallow effectively, meaning that any fluid in the mouth - whether saliva, blood, or vomit - can flow into the lungs. This is called aspiration, and it can cause serious complications including aspiration pneumonia or even immediate suffocation.
The genius of the recovery position lies in its use of gravity and body mechanics to address both of these dangers simultaneously. By placing someone on their side with their head tilted back, the tongue falls forward rather than backward, maintaining an open airway. The downward tilt of the head means any fluid drains out of the mouth rather than into the lungs. The bent upper leg and extended lower arm create a stable triangular base that prevents the person from rolling onto their back or stomach.
The Three Critical Functions
Understanding why the recovery position works helps you appreciate its importance and apply it correctly. The position serves three interconnected purposes that work together to protect the unconscious person.
- Airway Maintenance: The head-back position keeps the tongue from falling into the throat, ensuring continuous airflow to the lungs. This is the same principle used in the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver during CPR.
- Fluid Drainage: The side-lying position with the mouth angled downward allows saliva, blood, or vomit to drain out rather than pool in the back of the throat where it could be aspirated into the lungs.
- Position Stability: The configuration of bent leg and extended arm creates a stable base that prevents rolling. This is crucial because an unconscious person could otherwise roll onto their back (reblocking the airway) or onto their face (potentially suffocating).
When Should You Use the Recovery Position?
Use the recovery position when a person is unconscious but breathing normally. Common situations include after fainting, following a seizure (once convulsions stop), alcohol or drug intoxication, head injury with maintained breathing, and any medical emergency where the person is unresponsive but has signs of life. Never use it on someone who is not breathing - start CPR instead.
Knowing when to use the recovery position is just as important as knowing how to do it. The technique is specifically designed for a particular set of circumstances, and using it inappropriately could delay more urgent interventions or cause additional harm. The fundamental criterion is simple: the person must be unconscious (unresponsive) AND breathing normally.
Before placing anyone in the recovery position, you must first assess their condition. This follows the standard first aid approach of checking for danger, checking for response, and checking for breathing. Approach the person safely, tap their shoulders firmly, and ask loudly "Are you okay?" while observing for any response. If they don't respond, look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If they are breathing normally, the recovery position is appropriate. If they are not breathing or only gasping occasionally (agonal breathing), CPR must be started immediately.
Common Situations Requiring the Recovery Position
The recovery position is appropriate in numerous medical scenarios. Understanding these situations helps you recognize when to apply this technique quickly and confidently.
Fainting (Syncope): When someone faints, they typically regain consciousness within a minute or two as blood flow returns to the brain. However, during the unconscious period, they are at risk of airway obstruction. The recovery position provides protection until they wake up. If they don't regain consciousness within a few minutes, this suggests a more serious underlying cause requiring emergency medical attention.
Post-Seizure (Postictal State): After the convulsive phase of a seizure ends, the person typically enters a postictal state where they may be unconscious or very drowsy for several minutes to hours. During this time, there is often increased saliva production, and the person may vomit. The recovery position is essential to protect the airway during this vulnerable period. It also allows the person to rest comfortably while their brain recovers from the seizure activity.
Alcohol or Drug Intoxication: Severely intoxicated individuals may become unconscious and are at high risk of vomiting, which is extremely dangerous if they are lying on their back. The recovery position can be lifesaving in these situations. Even if the person seems to be sleeping deeply rather than truly unconscious, placing them in the recovery position is a sensible precaution if you cannot wake them normally.
Head Injury with Maintained Breathing: After a head injury, a person may lose consciousness while still breathing. The recovery position helps protect the airway while you wait for emergency services. However, be aware that head injuries may involve spinal injury, so extra care is needed (see the section on spinal injury considerations).
Diabetic Emergencies: Both severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis can cause unconsciousness. If the person is breathing but unresponsive and you cannot safely administer glucose, the recovery position protects their airway while awaiting emergency help.
- Person is not breathing: Start CPR immediately - every second counts
- Person is conscious: Let them find their own comfortable position
- Suspected spinal injury with clear airway: Keep them still unless you must leave them alone
- Severe chest trauma: Position may worsen breathing difficulties
- Active severe bleeding: Bleeding control takes priority
How Do You Put Someone in the Recovery Position?
To place someone in the recovery position: (1) Kneel beside them, (2) place their near arm at right angles with palm up, (3) bring the far arm across and hold the back of their hand to their cheek, (4) pull up the far knee keeping the foot flat, (5) roll them toward you by pulling the knee, (6) tilt the head back to open the airway, and (7) adjust the leg so both hip and knee are at right angles.
The recovery position technique has been standardized across international guidelines to ensure consistent teaching and optimal outcomes. While the basic principle - placing someone on their side - is simple, the specific steps ensure the position is stable and the airway remains open. Practice this technique regularly so you can perform it confidently in an emergency.
Before You Begin: Safety Assessment
Before touching the person, ensure the area is safe for both of you. Check for hazards like traffic, fire, electrical dangers, or unstable structures. If the area is dangerous and you can safely move them, do so before positioning. Call emergency services or have someone call while you work.
Check responsiveness by tapping their shoulders firmly and asking loudly "Are you okay?" If there's no response, check breathing by looking for chest movement, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for breath on your cheek for no more than 10 seconds. If they're breathing normally, proceed with the recovery position. If not breathing, start CPR immediately.
Kneel beside the person at about waist level. Ensure their legs are straight. Remove their glasses if they're wearing any, as these could injure them during rolling. Quickly check pockets for sharp objects like keys, pens, or phones that could cause injury. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck that might restrict breathing.
Take the arm closest to you and place it at a right angle (90 degrees) to the person's body, with the elbow bent and the palm facing upward toward the ceiling. This arm acts as a strut that will prevent the person from rolling onto their face once positioned. The palm-up position also helps prevent pressure injury to the hand and arm.
Reach across and bring the far arm over the person's chest. Take hold of the back of their hand (not the palm) and place it against their cheek on the side nearest to you. Hold it there firmly - you'll maintain this position throughout the roll. This hand will cushion and support the head after rolling, and helps keep the airway open.
With your other hand, reach across and grasp the far leg just above the knee. Pull the knee up while keeping the foot flat on the ground. The knee should be bent at approximately a right angle. This bent leg serves as a lever to help you roll the person and will stabilize them in the final position.
This is the key movement. While keeping the hand pressed firmly against their cheek, pull on the raised knee to roll the person smoothly toward you onto their side. Use the bent leg as a lever - don't try to lift them. The movement should be controlled and smooth. Rolling toward you gives you better control than pushing them away.
Once on their side, gently tilt the head back to ensure the airway remains open. Adjust the hand under the cheek if needed to maintain this head-back position. The person's mouth should be angled slightly downward to allow any fluids to drain. Check that nothing is blocking the mouth or nose.
Adjust the upper leg so that both the hip and the knee are bent at right angles. This creates a stable tripod position - the person is supported by their bent knee, their lower arm, and their bent upper arm. Check that they cannot roll forward onto their face or backward onto their back. The position should feel stable when you gently test it.
Call emergency services if you haven't already. Stay with the person and monitor their breathing continuously. Keep them warm with a blanket or coat if available. If they remain unconscious for more than 30 minutes, turn them to the opposite side to prevent pressure injuries and maintain circulation to the lower arm. Be prepared to start CPR immediately if they stop breathing.
A simple way to remember the key steps: Raise the far arm to the cheek, Fold the far knee up, Roll toward you, Tilt the head back. Practice this sequence until it becomes automatic.
How Is the Recovery Position Different for Special Situations?
The recovery position is modified for special situations: for children over 1 year, use the same technique but be gentler; for infants under 1 year, hold them in your arms face-down; for suspected spinal injuries, use the "log roll" with multiple helpers if possible; for pregnant women in the third trimester, position them on their left side to prevent compression of major blood vessels.
While the standard recovery position works well in most situations, certain circumstances require modifications. Understanding these variations ensures you can adapt your approach to protect vulnerable individuals effectively. The fundamental principles remain the same - maintain airway, allow drainage, ensure stability - but the technique may need adjustment.
Recovery Position for Children
For children over one year of age, the recovery position technique is essentially the same as for adults. Children's anatomy is similar enough that the standard position works effectively. However, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind when positioning a child.
Use gentler movements when positioning a child. Their bodies are lighter and more flexible, so less force is needed. Be particularly careful with the head and neck, supporting them throughout the movement. Children may wake up during positioning and become frightened - speak calmly and reassuringly throughout the process. A child who wakes up and is responsive can be allowed to find their own comfortable position.
Children are more prone to heat loss than adults due to their larger surface area relative to body mass. Once positioned, cover them with a blanket, coat, or other material to keep them warm while waiting for emergency services.
Recovery Position for Infants (Under 1 Year)
Infants cannot be placed in the standard recovery position because their body proportions are different, and they cannot maintain the position independently. Instead, an alternative technique called the "recovery hold" or "face-down hold" is used.
To place an infant in the recovery hold: cradle the infant face-down along your forearm with their head slightly lower than their body. Support their head and jaw with your hand, being careful not to compress the soft tissues under the chin which could block the airway. The face-down position allows any fluid to drain from the mouth while your support keeps the airway open.
This position allows you to keep the infant warm against your body, monitor their breathing easily, and move to safety if needed. If you become tired, you can rest your arm on your thigh while seated. Never leave an unconscious infant unattended - always hold them until emergency services arrive.
Recovery Position with Suspected Spinal Injury
When spinal injury is suspected - typically after falls from height, traffic accidents, diving injuries, or any incident involving significant force to the head or neck - the situation becomes more complex. Moving someone with a spinal injury risks causing paralysis or death if the spinal cord is damaged. However, an unconscious person also needs airway protection.
The international guidelines provide clear guidance on this dilemma. If the person is breathing normally and their airway is clear, the priority is to keep them still and maintain spinal alignment until professional help arrives. Do not move them unless absolutely necessary. You can open their airway using a jaw thrust rather than head tilt, which minimizes neck movement.
However, if you must leave the person alone (for example, to call for help when alone), if they are vomiting, or if the airway is blocked despite other interventions, then protecting the airway takes priority. In these cases, use the recovery position but with the "log roll" technique: keeping the head, neck, and spine in alignment throughout the movement. Ideally, this requires multiple helpers - one supporting the head and neck while others roll the body as a unit. If alone, do your best to support the head and neck while rolling.
The unconscious person's biggest immediate threat is airway obstruction. While spinal injury is serious, a person can survive with good spinal injury management in hospital. They cannot survive without an airway. When in doubt about priorities, remember: "Airway first, always."
Recovery Position for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women in the third trimester (approximately 28 weeks onward) should be positioned on their left side specifically, rather than either side. This modification is important because of how pregnancy affects blood circulation.
In late pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can compress the inferior vena cava (the major vein returning blood to the heart) when the woman lies on her back or right side. This compression reduces blood return to the heart, lowering blood pressure and potentially reducing blood flow to both the woman and the fetus. The left lateral position shifts the uterus away from these blood vessels, maintaining optimal circulation.
The recovery position technique itself remains the same - simply ensure the pregnant woman ends up on her left side rather than her right. All other aspects of the position (arm placement, knee position, head tilt) remain identical.
What Are Common Mistakes When Using the Recovery Position?
Common mistakes include: forgetting to call emergency services, not checking breathing first (and missing the need for CPR), inadequate head tilt leaving the airway partially blocked, positioning on the back rather than side, not monitoring continuously, and leaving someone in the same position for too long without turning them. Avoid these errors through practice and systematic approach.
Even a well-intentioned first aider can make errors that reduce the effectiveness of the recovery position or potentially cause harm. Understanding common mistakes helps you avoid them and provides better care. Most errors stem from rushing, incomplete training, or failing to follow a systematic approach.
Failing to Check Breathing First
The most serious mistake is placing someone in the recovery position when they are not breathing. The recovery position is ONLY for unconscious people who ARE breathing. If someone is not breathing, they need immediate CPR - every minute without chest compressions and rescue breaths reduces their chance of survival. Always check breathing for up to 10 seconds before deciding on your course of action.
Related to this, some people check breathing incorrectly. Looking for chest movement alone is not reliable - you should look for chest rise, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek. Agonal breathing (occasional gasps) is not normal breathing and indicates the person needs CPR.
Inadequate Airway Opening
Simply placing someone on their side is not enough - the head must be tilted back to ensure the airway is fully open. The tongue is attached at the front of the mouth and can still fall backward and block the airway even in a side-lying position if the head is not tilted back properly.
After positioning, check that the mouth is open and angled slightly downward. You should be able to feel breath from the mouth and nose. If breathing seems obstructed, readjust the head position until the airway is clear.
Unstable Positioning
An unstable recovery position can result in the person rolling onto their back or face, defeating the purpose of the technique. Common causes of instability include not bending the upper leg sufficiently, not placing the lower arm at a proper right angle, or not having the hand properly positioned under the cheek.
After positioning, gently test stability by pressing lightly on the person's shoulder and hip. They should not roll easily in either direction. If the position feels unstable, adjust the leg and arm positions until solid stability is achieved.
Forgetting to Call for Help
In the urgency of the moment, people sometimes focus so intently on positioning that they forget to call emergency services. The recovery position is a temporary measure while waiting for professional help - it is not a treatment in itself. Always ensure emergency services have been called, either by you or by asking someone nearby.
Leaving the Person Alone
Once positioned, the person must be monitored continuously. Their condition can change - they might stop breathing (requiring CPR), vomit (requiring repositioning), or regain consciousness (requiring reassessment). Never leave an unconscious person alone unless absolutely necessary, such as needing to call for help when alone.
Prolonged Single-Side Positioning
If the person remains unconscious for more than 30 minutes, they should be turned to the opposite side. Prolonged pressure on one side can cause pressure injuries and restrict blood flow to the lower arm. When turning, use the same careful technique and ensure the airway remains open on the new side.
| Common Mistake | Why It's a Problem | Correct Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Not checking breathing | Miss need for CPR | Always check breathing for 10 seconds first |
| Head not tilted back | Airway remains blocked | Tilt head back, check for breath flow |
| Unstable position | Person can roll over | Bend leg at right angle, test stability |
| No emergency call | No professional help coming | Call emergency services or delegate |
When Should You Call Emergency Services?
Call emergency services immediately whenever you find someone unconscious, regardless of whether they are breathing. An unconscious person always needs professional medical assessment. While the recovery position protects the airway, it does not treat the underlying cause of unconsciousness. Emergency services should be called first or simultaneously while positioning the person.
The recovery position is a first aid measure, not a treatment. Any unconscious person needs emergency medical evaluation to determine and treat the cause of their unconsciousness. The recovery position simply buys time by protecting the airway while waiting for professional help to arrive.
How to Call for Help Effectively
When calling emergency services, provide clear information to help responders reach you quickly and arrive prepared. State your location as precisely as possible, including landmarks, building names, and room numbers. Describe the situation: an unconscious person who is (or is not) breathing. Answer any questions the dispatcher asks - they are trained to gather critical information quickly. Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to.
If alone with an unconscious person, modern guidelines suggest calling emergency services first (or using speaker phone while working) before beginning first aid. This ensures help is on the way as quickly as possible. If others are present, delegate the phone call so you can focus on the person.
Emergency numbers vary by country. Find your local emergency numbers at our Emergency Numbers page. Common numbers include 911 (USA, Canada), 999 (UK), 112 (European Union), 000 (Australia), and 119 (Japan, Korea). Save your local emergency number in your phone.
What to Tell Emergency Dispatchers
- Location: Exact address, landmarks, floor number, room
- Situation: "Unconscious person, breathing/not breathing"
- Actions taken: "In recovery position" or "Doing CPR"
- Changes: Any changes in condition
- Access: How responders can reach you
Frequently Asked Questions
If the person is breathing normally with a clear airway, keep them still and do not move them unless absolutely necessary. However, if you must leave them alone, if they are vomiting, or if their airway becomes blocked, protecting the airway takes priority. Use the "log roll" technique, keeping the head, neck, and spine aligned throughout the movement. Ideally, have multiple helpers: one supporting the head and neck while others roll the body as a single unit. Remember: a person can survive good spinal injury management in hospital, but they cannot survive without an airway.
This is exactly what the recovery position is designed for. The side-lying position with the mouth angled downward allows vomit to drain out of the mouth rather than being aspirated into the lungs. Stay calm and let gravity do its work. You may need to gently clear any visible material from the mouth using your fingers in a sweeping motion. After vomiting stops, check that the airway is clear and adjust the head position if needed. Continue monitoring and be ready for more vomiting.
You do not need to remove clothing to use the recovery position. However, you should loosen any tight clothing around the neck (ties, collars, scarves) that might restrict breathing or blood flow. Remove glasses to prevent them from injuring the face during positioning. Check pockets for sharp objects like keys, pens, or phones that could cause pressure injuries when the person is lying on them. Once positioned, cover the person with a blanket or coat to prevent heat loss while waiting for help.
The recovery position technique uses leverage rather than pure strength. By using the bent leg as a lever and pulling rather than lifting, most adults can position even a much heavier person. If you're struggling, call for assistance from bystanders. If alone and unable to roll the person, focus on keeping their airway open using the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver while lying on their back, and be ready to turn their head to the side if they vomit. Some airway protection is better than none while waiting for help.
For most people, either side is fine - use whichever side you can access most easily. The main exception is pregnant women in the third trimester, who should be placed on their left side to prevent the uterus from compressing major blood vessels. If there is obvious injury to one side of the body, position on the uninjured side if possible. If the person has had previous advice from a doctor about positioning (for example, after certain surgeries), follow that advice if you know it.
If the person regains consciousness, this is a good sign. Speak calmly and reassuringly - they may be confused and disoriented. Explain what happened and that you are helping them. Allow them to move into whatever position feels comfortable. Keep them lying down until emergency services arrive, as standing up too quickly could cause them to faint again. Continue monitoring them and be prepared to use the recovery position again if they lose consciousness. Even if they seem fine, they should still be assessed by medical professionals.
References & Evidence Base
This article is based on the following international guidelines and peer-reviewed evidence:
- International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). (2020). 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations. Circulation, 142(16_suppl_1). DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000916
- European Resuscitation Council. (2021). European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: First Aid. Resuscitation, 161, 270-290. DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.02.013
- American Heart Association. (2020). Highlights of the 2020 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. AHA Guidelines
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. (2020). International First Aid and Resuscitation Guidelines. Geneva: IFRC.
- Zideman DA, et al. (2021). European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: First aid. Resuscitation, 161, 270-290.
The recommendations in this article are based on Level 1A evidence (international consensus guidelines based on systematic reviews) and represent the current standard of care for first aid and basic life support. Guidelines are reviewed and updated every five years by ILCOR based on the latest research evidence.
Medical Editorial Team
This article was written by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team - a group of healthcare professionals including licensed physicians, emergency medicine specialists, and first aid instructors with extensive clinical and teaching experience.
All content is reviewed by board-certified physicians following international guidelines from ILCOR, ERC, and AHA.
Content is based on peer-reviewed research and follows the GRADE evidence framework for medical recommendations.
Conflict of Interest: The iMedic editorial team has no financial relationships with any commercial entities. All content is produced independently without pharmaceutical company sponsorship or advertising influence.