The Recovery Position and Why it is Important

The Recovery Position is something most people have heard of and it’s a skill that features in almost every course we run here at Help! First Aid Training. But what is the purpose of it and why do we do it the way we do?

What is the Recovery Position?

The Recovery Position is used to help to stabilise an unconscious but breathing casualty and to help prevent further injury until professional help arrives. 

It’s a very easy procedure to learn and it can make a huge difference. 

Imagine this: you come across a casualty who is unresponsive but still breathing. Most of us would be prompted to call for Emergency help but what can you do whilst you're waiting for that help to arrive? 

This is where the Recovery Position comes in - here's what to do;

• Kneel at the casualty’s side.
• Remove their glasses and any bulky objects from their pockets.
• Move the arm closest to you out and away from the body with the palm facing up.
• Cross the other arm across the chest and hold the back of the hand to the cheek.
• Bend the leg that is furthest away from you until the foot is flat on the floor.
• Keep hold of the hand that is against the cheek, grip the bent leg and roll the casualty onto their side, towards you.
• Adjust the hand under the cheek if necessary.
• Adjust the bent leg if necessary.
• Tilt the head back slightly.
• Monitor until help arrives and be prepared to administer CPR if required.

Please note that if a spinal injury is suspected, the procedure is different to the one described here. Ask for advice from health professionals.

Why is the Recovery Position carried out this way?

There is theory behind the moves we make. The Recovery Position isn’t random – every step has a purpose. While variations of this technique date back to the 19th century, the version we use today was standardised in the 1990s to maximise safety and effectiveness.

Here's why each step is important:

• Removing glasses and objects – avoids further injury.
• Hand under the face – keeps the head stable and prevents the airway from being blocked.
• Lying on the side – allows fluids (like saliva or vomit) to drain, reducing the risk of choking.
• Bent leg – prevents the casualty from rolling onto their back, which could compromise their airway.
• Head tilt and chin lift – keeps the airway open and ensures normal breathing.

Why Everyone Should Learn It

You don’t need to be a trained first aider to perform the Recovery Position. It’s quick to learn, could improve a casualty’s survival rate and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

At Help! First Aid Training, we’re all about the practical skills, so, if you’d like to see the Recovery Position demonstrated, head over to our YouTube channel, where our lead instructor Graham shows you exactly how it’s done. https://youtu.be/hnl6IqC4UFU

Ready to Book Your Training or Need Some First Aid Advice?

Want to learn more or book a course? We’d love to hear from you!

We run regular open courses at our Shildon Business Centre in County Durham, and we can also deliver onsite training at your location. We cover Bishop Auckland to Billingham, Gateshead to Guisborough, Spennymoor to South Shields and everywhere in between.

If you're an employer in the construction industry, don’t forget — CITB grants may cover up to 70% of your training costs.

Email: info@helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk 

Call us: 01388 417303
Website: www.helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk
CITB Info: www.citb.co.uk