Do you know what a recovery position is? Or when to put someone in the recovery position? If you are not aware of these answers and are interested in learning about this standard first-aid procedure, this blog is for you. It will provide an overall understanding of the recovery position. Stay tuned!
What is a Recovery Position?
A recovery position is a process of putting the patient in a particular position that will keep their airways clear. In this position, you have to place one arm across the chest; keep the other away from the person’s body. Bend the far leg at an angle.
People are put in a recovery position when they are unconscious and do not respond. It is one of the basic first-aid treatments for unconscious individuals.
What is the Purpose of the Recovery Position?
The purpose of the recovery position is to clear the obstacles that may block the airways, like vomit or the patient’s tongue. In the event of injury or illness, a person can lose consciousness. Therefore, the first respondent must put them in the recovery opposition to ensure they breathe properly.
However, it is important to understand that the recovery position applies to those breathing. When the breathing stops, it is mandatory to call for help or provide CPR. The CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Training course will help you if you don’t know how to provide CPR.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Training
The course comes with interactive video training that will let you learn CPR in no time. After completing the course, you will obtain a certificate which will definitely increase your employability in any job.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Training
The course comes with interactive video training that will let you learn CPR in no time. After completing the course, you will obtain a certificate which will definitely increase your employability in any job.
When to Put Someone in the Recovery Position?
The recovery position ensures that the unconscious person has nothing stuck in their airways. In addition, it is also an effective way to reduce the chances of vomit or other fluids choking the person. Usually, the recovery position is for cases where the patient is unconscious but breathing. You can also take the following step to confirm if they require being in the recovery position.
- They are not responding to commands like ‘open your eyes’
- When you squeeze or grab their shoulders firmly, they do not respond
- They are groaning with their eyes closed
How to Put Someone in the Recovery Position: a Step-By-Step Guide
The recovery position is not the same for all. For example, the recovery position for adults is not the same for children. The steps for different recovery positions are described below.
The adult recovery position is a first aid technique used to place an unconscious but breathing person on their side, ensuring their airway remains open and prevents choking on vomit or other fluids. To perform it:
– Gently lay the person on their side.
– Extend their top arm straight out.
– Bend their bottom arm at a right angle to support their head.
– Bend the top leg at the knee to stabilize their body.
– Ensure their head is tilted slightly back to keep the airway clear.
This position helps maintain clear breathing until medical assistance arrives.
Paediatric First Aid Course
This informational course will explain the fundamental procedures of first aid that enable you to carry out the first hand whenever an unanticipated situation occurs, or before the specialists support arrives.
What is Recovery Position Child?
The recovery position for a child is a vital first aid technique designed to safeguard the airway and facilitate breathing in the event of unconsciousness. By gently rolling the child onto their side, with their head tilted back slightly to prevent obstruction, the recovery position helps maintain an open airway. This positioning also aids in the drainage of any fluids, such as vomit, from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration and choking. Properly executing the recovery position can be critical in ensuring the child receives adequate oxygenation and ventilation while awaiting medical assistance.
– Safeguards the airway
– Facilitates breathing
– Aids in drainage of fluids
– Reduces risk of aspiration and choking
Paediatric First Aid Course
This informational course will explain the fundamental procedures of first aid that enable you to carry out the first hand whenever an unanticipated situation occurs, or before the specialists support arrives.
Steps to Follow When a Spinal Injury is Suspected
If you suspect that the person has injured their spine, you can not perform the same procedure as it can put pressure on the spine.
But first, you have to identify if the person has injured their spine. To ensure spine injury, you can check the following factors.
- If they had a head injury or hit the back of their head
- If they have fallen from five to ten feet in height and lost consciousness
- They can’t move their head
- Their neck or back is twisted
- Lost control of their bowels, bladder or limbs
If you see one of these signs in the injured person, then you should follow the steps given below.
1. Do not perform the usual recovery position, as it can cause more damage to the spine.
2. Kneel near the patient’s head
3. Place both your hands on both sides of the person’s face
4. Lift the jaw with your index and middle finger
5. While you lift the jaw, push the chin with your thumb
6. Do not move the neck
Does the Recovery Position in First Aid Actually Work?
There is no definite answer whether the recovery position works or not. However, according to research, children who were not put in a recovery position are more likely to get admitted to the hospital.
On the other hand, another finding suggests that if you put a person who is having a cardiac arrest, it can have a negative result. Because if the person stops breathing, the bystanders will fail to notice it. This may cost valuable time and reduce the person’s chances of survival.
If you don’t know how to identify if someone has a cardiac arrest, the 7 Signs Of Cardiac Arrest And What You Can Do To Help A Patient blog can show you. In addition, it will provide an in-depth understanding of the songs and symbols of cardiac arrest.
Therefore, the effectiveness of the recovery position in first aid is in a grey zone. However, the European Resuscitation Council suggests placing injured or ill individuals in the recovery position.
Emergency Care Assistant - (First Aid)
Learn how to respond to accidents, injuries and medical illnesses, and develop practical lifesaving skills with the Emergency Care Assistant – (First Aid) course.
Emergency Care Assistant - (First Aid)
Learn how to respond to accidents, injuries and medical illnesses, and develop practical lifesaving skills with the Emergency Care Assistant – (First Aid) course.
What is the Recovery Position Supposed to Do?
There are two ways the airways can get blocked, mechanical obstruction and fluid obstruction. Mechanical obstruction is the physical obstacle creating a blockage in the airway. Usually, it is the patient’s own tongue.
Fluid obstruction is the vomit or fluids collected in the pharynx. These fluids accumulate in the back of the throat and flow into the lungs. The recovery position’s main aim is to prevent these two blockages and keep the airways clear. The position also helps the fluids to drain out and prevent the person from choking.
Who Should Not Be in the Recovery Position?
The recovery position is one of the most common first aid treatments. However, you can not apply this position in all circumstances. For example, in cases where the patient is not breathing, you are not supposed to put them in the recovery position. Instead, you should perform CPR.
If the person has injured their spine, neck or head, it is prohibited to move them as it can cause more damage to their spine. Hence, you can’t put them in the recovery position.
FAQs
What are the Stages of Placing Someone in the Recovery Position?
The stages of placing someone in the recovery position are
- Stage 1 – Kneel beside the patient. In addition, check if they are breathing and unconscious
- Stage 2 – Put the farthest arm across the chest while the palm is under the cheeks
- Stage 3 – Take the other arm, and place it towards you, away from the person’s body
- Stage 4 – Take the farthest leg and bend the knee at an angle
- Stage 5 – Roll the body towards you
- Stage 6 – Tilt the head backwards
Does It Matter Which Side You Put Someone in the Recovery Position?
It does not matter whether you put them on the left or right side. The main priority is to keep the airways open.
Why the Left Side Recovery Position?
Usually, the side does not matter for the recovery position. However, in the case of pregnant women, you should roll them on their left side. The reason is that it prevents the baby from creating pressure on one of the major blood vessels.
Summary
The recovery position has been used as a part of first aid procedures for ages. Studies have found both the benefits and drawbacks of this position.
In some cases, the recovery position can work as a lifesaver, while it can increase the risk in other cases. Therefore, it is up to the first respondent to decide if the recovery position is appropriate for the situation. Take this CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Training course if you want to learn more about it.
Jan, 29, 2026 
