What is Recovery Position?
Recovery position is the standard first-aid posture for an unconscious person who is still breathing. It keeps the airway open, prevents choking, and allows fluids to drain from the mouth safely.
Recovery position is the safe posture for an unconscious but breathing person: lying on their side with the head tilted back, one leg bent for stability, and airway kept clear.
Step-by-step worked examples
A person is unconscious at a café but still breathing normally. What first-aid position do you place them in?
Check the person is breathing (listen, watch chest). Place them on their side — this is recovery position. Tilt head back to keep airway open. Bend one leg for stability.
An injured cyclist is unresponsive but has a pulse and breathing. What is your next step?
Confirm they are breathing (clear airway if needed). Place them in recovery position on their side. Monitor breathing and stay with them until help arrives. Do NOT leave them on their back.
Why is recovery position better than lying flat on the back?
On the back, the tongue can block the airway. Fluids (saliva, blood) can be aspirated into the lungs. Recovery position keeps airway clear and drains fluids safely out.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.An unconscious person is breathing. What position do you place them in?
Q2.Why tilt the head back in recovery position?
Q3.What is the purpose of bending one leg in recovery position?
Q4.If a casualty is unresponsive with no pulse, use recovery position?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What is Recovery Position?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Placing an unconscious person flat on their back. — Correct: This risks airway obstruction; recovery position (side) is safer.
Forgetting to tilt the head back. — Correct: Head must be tilted to keep airway open and prevent choking.
Not bending a leg for stability. — Correct: A bent leg prevents rolling and keeps the body stable.
Using recovery position if the person has no pulse. — Correct: No pulse means no breathing — start CPR, not recovery position.
FAQ
What is recovery position?
The safe posture for an unconscious but breathing person: on their side, head tilted, one leg bent, airway clear.
Why is recovery position important in first aid?
It prevents choking, keeps the airway open, allows fluids to drain safely, and maintains breathing.
How do you place someone in recovery position?
Roll them on their side, tilt head back gently, bend one leg, keep arms in front for balance.
When should recovery position NOT be used?
If the person is conscious, has no pulse, or if spinal injury is suspected — then do CPR or stabilize the spine.