The Recovery Position: A Life-Saving First Aid Technique
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD | Last reviewed: October 7, 2026
Quick Answer: What is the recovery position?
The recovery position is a first aid maneuver that keeps an unconscious person's airway clear when they are still breathing normally. [1] Rolling them onto their side, face angled downward and chin slightly away from the chest, lets fluids drain and stops the tongue blocking breathing. [1] Always call 911 first; the position is not a substitute for emergency help.
What the research says
For a person who might have a neck or back injury, the modified HAINES position keeps the neck straighter than the standard side-lying position. In a study that imaged 38 healthy volunteers in both positions, the modified HAINES position produced 13.0 degrees less lateral flexion (99% CI 7.5–18.5) and 12.6 degrees less extension (99% CI 9.4–15.9) of the cervical spine, while the thoracolumbar spine position was similar (Blake et al., Resuscitation, 2002) [2].
Untrained bystanders are generally advised to judge responsiveness and breathing rather than feel for a pulse. A review of cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines noted that lay rescuers recognize cardiac arrest by the absence of responsiveness and breathing, and that checking the pulse is recommended only for healthcare providers. [3] If the person is not breathing normally, CPR is needed instead of the recovery position (David and Gueugniaud, Annales Françaises d’Anesthésie et de Réanimation, 2007).
The recovery position is part of current international first aid guidance. The European Resuscitation Council’s 2025 First Aid Guidelines, based on the 2025 International Consensus on Science, cover how to approach a person with impaired responsiveness and the recovery position, alongside emergencies such as choking, hypoglycaemia and opioid overdose (Djärv et al., Resuscitation, 2025) [4].
Why does the recovery position matter?
When a person is awake, their body has a natural cough reflex that protects the lungs from dust, food, or liquids. However, when someone loses consciousness, this reflex disappears. [1] Without it, the person is at high risk of choking on mucus, blood, or vomit. [1] The recovery position addresses this by using gravity to drain these substances away from the airway. It also prevents the tongue—which can relax and fall backward—from blocking the throat. [1]
When should you use the recovery position?
Before applying this technique, it is essential to check the person’s airway, breathing, and circulation. [1] The recovery position is only for those who are unconscious but breathing well. [1] Cleveland Clinic also lists a pulse check; [1] if you are not trained to feel for one, judge by responsiveness and breathing. If the person is not breathing normally, you must start CPR immediately instead. [1] Common situations where this position is necessary include concussions and other head injuries, seizures, opioid overdoses, or fainting due to low blood pressure or low blood sugar. [1]
Situation | Action |
Unconscious, breathing normally | Place in recovery position; call 911 or your local emergency number. |
Unconscious, NOT breathing normally | Start CPR immediately; call 911 or your local emergency number. |
Potential spinal injury | Use the HAINES position (requires training). |
Pregnancy | MUST place on their LEFT side. |
How do you put someone in the recovery position?
Performing the recovery position involves a few clear steps to ensure the person is stable and their airway is protected. Starting with the person flat on their back:
Move the arm closest to you out of the way, raised in an L-shape with their hand about even with their head. [1]
Use your hand closest to their head to take the hand on the far side of their body and bring it up to rest flat against their cheek on the side closest to you. [1]
With your other hand, lift the knee on the far side so the leg looks like an upside-down V. [1]
Pull that raised knee toward you to rotate their whole lower body onto its side, and rest the knee on the ground. [1]
Make sure their face is angled toward the ground and their neck is extended slightly, with the chin moved away from the chest, so the airway stays open. [1]
Once they are in position, you can cover them with a blanket or jacket if you are worried about them being cold or going into shock. [1] Keep constant watch on their breathing. [1] If they stop breathing, put them on their back and start CPR. [1]
How is the recovery position adapted for infants and pregnancy?
First aid techniques must be adapted based on the individual’s age and condition. For infants under one year old, the recovery position involves holding the child in your arms on their side, with the face leaning downward and the head slightly lower than the stomach [1] to allow fluids to drain. Keep the back of your hand in front of their mouth so you can feel that they are breathing. [1] For pregnant individuals, it is essential to use the left side. [1] Placing a pregnant person on their other side can put dangerous pressure on the vena cava, [1] a major vein that returns blood to the heart.
Group | Key Requirement |
Adults & Children (over 1 year) | Standard side-lying position with the face angled down and the neck slightly extended. |
Infants (under 1 year) | Held in your arms on their side, head slightly lower than the stomach. |
Pregnant Individuals | MUST use the LEFT side. |
Spinal Concerns | High Arm IN Endangered Spine (HAINES) method, only with training. |
Conclusion
The recovery position is a simple yet powerful tool that anyone can use during a medical emergency. By understanding when and how to apply this technique, you provide a critical safety net for someone who is unconscious. Always remember to call for emergency services immediately and stay with the person, monitoring their breathing constantly until professional help takes over. Your quick action can help prevent serious complications and support the best possible outcome.
What are the next steps when using the recovery position?
Before using the recovery position, check whether the person responds and is breathing normally, call 911 and keep monitoring their breathing until help arrives.
Assess responsiveness: Shout loudly and ask if they are conscious; if there is no response, pinch the trapezius muscle (between the shoulder and neck).
Check breathing: Look and listen for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If they are not breathing normally, start CPR. If you are trained, also check for a pulse.
Call 911 or your local emergency number: Contact emergency services immediately for any unexpected loss of consciousness.
Position the person: Follow the step-by-step guide above to place them in the recovery position.
Monitor constantly: Stay by their side and keep checking their breathing until help arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the recovery position?
To keep the airway open and prevent choking on vomit or the tongue.
When should I NOT use the recovery position?
Do not use it if the person is not breathing normally; start CPR instead.
Can I use this for someone with a broken back?
Only if you are trained in the HAINES technique, which is designed to minimize stress on the neck and spine.
Why must pregnant people be on their left side?
Lying on the other side can put pressure on the vena cava, a major vein that returns blood to the heart.
How do I check if someone is breathing?
Place the back of your hand in front of their mouth, and look and listen for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
What if the person stops breathing while on their side?
Immediately roll them onto their back and begin CPR.
Should I cover the person with a blanket?
Yes, once they are in position you can cover them with a blanket or jacket if you are worried about them being cold or going into shock.
Is the rescue position the same as the recovery position?
Yes, these terms are used interchangeably in first aid.
How do I position an infant?
Hold them in your arms on their side with their face leaning downward and their head slightly lower than their stomach.
What is the trapezius pinch?
A method to check for responsiveness by pinching the muscle between the shoulder and neck.
How long should I stay with the person?
Stay with the person and continue monitoring their breathing until first responders arrive.
Can I use the recovery position for a seizure?
Yes. Seizures are one of the situations where it may be needed, once the person is unconscious but breathing.
What if I don’t know why they passed out?
Treat it as a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number, and use the recovery position if they are breathing normally.
Does the recovery position prevent all choking?
No technique prevents every complication, but it helps fluids such as mucus, blood or vomit drain out of the mouth instead of blocking the airway.
Should I try to wake them up?
You can try shouting or pinching the trapezius muscle, but if they remain unresponsive, focus on keeping the airway open and getting help.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic. Recovery Position. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated March 6, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/recovery-position
Blake WED, Stillman BC, Eizenberg N, et al. The position of the spine in the recovery position—an experimental comparison between the lateral recovery position and the modified HAINES position. Resuscitation. 2002;53(3):289-297. PMID: 12062845. DOI: 10.1016/s0300-9572(02)00037-0
David JS, Gueugniaud PY. New aspects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2007;26(12):1045-1055. PMID: 17959337. DOI: 10.1016/j.annfar.2007.09.023
Djärv T, Rogers J, Semeraro F, et al. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2025: First Aid. Resuscitation. 2025;215 Suppl 1:110752. PMID: 41117568. DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2025.110752
Related Reading
Heimlich Maneuver: How to Help Someone Who Is Choking explains how to help someone who is choking.
Medical disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider or emergency services in a medical crisis.
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