The recovery position

The recovery position is a safe position for the breathing but unconscious adult. Remove glasses from the casualty’s face and any sharp, bulky objects from their pockets, such as mobile phones, keys, or wallets. With the casualty on their back and both legs straight, place the arm nearest to you at a 90 degree angle to their body with their palm facing up. Take the other arm over the casualty’s chest and place the back of their hand against the cheek closest to you. Take the leg furthest away from you with your other hand, holding just above the knee, and pull the leg up whilst keeping the sole of the foot on the ground.

With the casualty’s hand still on their cheek, bring the far leg towards you until the casualty has rolled onto their side. Ensure the raised leg is bent at 90 degrees in line with their hip. Ensure the casualty’s airway remains open by tilting their head back. Place one hand on their forehead and two fingers of the other hand under their chin. Tilt the head back gently. Finally, now the casualty is successfully in the recovery position. Ensure emergency help has been called and monitor the casualty until they arrive. After 30 minutes, if help has still not arrived, place the casualty on their other side.