The recovery position is a first aid technique used to help protect the airway of an unconscious person who is breathing normally.
It is one of the most widely taught first aid skills and forms an important part of emergency response training throughout the UK.
This guide explains what the recovery position is, when it may be used and why it can be important while waiting for emergency services.
This information is general guidance and does not replace practical first aid training or professional medical advice.
The recovery position is a position used for an unconscious person who is breathing normally.
Its purpose is to help keep the airway open and reduce the risk of airway obstruction while waiting for medical assistance.
The position is designed to allow fluids to drain from the mouth and help prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
When someone becomes unconscious, they may lose the ability to protect their own airway.
This can increase the risk of:
The recovery position can help reduce these risks while waiting for professional help.
The recovery position may be appropriate when a casualty:
Examples may include:
See First Aid for an Unconscious Person.
The recovery position is not suitable in every situation.
For example:
Always follow your first aid training and emergency services guidance.
Before considering the recovery position, it is important to determine whether the casualty is breathing normally.
If they are not breathing normally, call 999 immediately and begin CPR if appropriate.
See CPR Explained: Adult, Child and Baby CPR.
Even if someone is breathing normally, an unconscious casualty may still require urgent medical assessment.
Call 999 whenever there is concern about a person's condition or level of consciousness.
See When to Call 999 vs 111 vs GP.
| Benefit | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Helps maintain an open airway | Supports breathing |
| Allows fluids to drain | Reduces aspiration risk |
| Provides stability | Helps keep the casualty in a safer position |
| Supports monitoring | Makes it easier to observe breathing |
Placing someone in the recovery position does not end the first aid response.
The casualty should be monitored continuously until help arrives.
Watch for:
If breathing stops or becomes abnormal, emergency services should be informed immediately and CPR may become necessary.
Following some seizures, a casualty may become unconscious but continue breathing normally.
In these situations, the recovery position may help protect the airway while the person recovers.
The recovery position is commonly taught as part of workplace first aid training.
First aiders should understand when it may be appropriate and when alternative actions may be required.
See First Aid Training Requirements.
Not necessarily. The casualty must be breathing normally and movement must be appropriate.
No. An unconscious casualty may still require urgent medical attention.
Continuous observation remains important until professional help arrives.
Understanding the recovery position can help people respond more confidently during emergencies involving unconscious casualties.
Knowing when it may be appropriate and when it is not can support safer decision-making while waiting for professional assistance.
See Why Response Time Matters in First Aid.
The recovery position is a valuable first aid technique for unconscious casualties who are breathing normally. Its primary purpose is to help maintain an open airway and reduce the risk of complications while awaiting medical help.
It should always be combined with appropriate monitoring and emergency services contact when required.
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