How to Use the Recovery Position

The recovery position is used to facilitate the breathing of injury or illness victims who are semiconscious or unconscious. It also allows fluids to drain without the risk of the victim inhaling them. There are two recovery positions, one for adults and one for infants.

Instructions

Adult Recovery Position

• 1

  Kneel next to the victim.

• 2

  Extend the victim's arm that is farthest away from you over his head, letting it rest on the floor.

• 3

  Lift the victim's knee that is closest to you into a bent position. This knee will act as a stopper when you roll the victim over, preventing her from rolling completely over onto her stomach.

• 4

  Place your hands at the victim's back and buttocks and push him away from you. His head should now be cradled by the arm that you extended above his head in Step 2.

• 5

  Tilt the victim's head up slightly to open the airway and facilitate breathing and drainage of fluids. The victim is now in the recovery position.

• 6

  Cover the victim with a blanket, coat or emergency blanket if one is available.

• 7

  Stay with the victim, monitoring her until help arrives. If you are alone, leave the victim in the recovery position while you quickly go call 911 or seek other help.

Infant Recovery Position

• 8

  Understand that an infant is anyone under the age of 1. For victims over the age of 1, use the adult recovery position described in Section 1. Do not use this on anyone under 1. Death could result.

• 9

  Hold the infant stomach down on your forearm so that his head is cradled in the palm of your hand.

• 10

  Tilt the infant so that his head is slightly lower than his buttocks to prevent choking.

• 11

  Keep the infant's mouth and nose clear of fluids until help arrives.