How to put someone in the recovery position
If someone is unresponsive but breathing normally, rolling them onto their side keeps the airway open and lets vomit drain. Here are the steps, and when not to move them.
- Time
- 1 to 2 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
What you’ll need
- A phone to call 999
Safety first
- If you suspect a neck or spinal injury, only move them into the recovery position if you can't keep their airway open otherwise, and keep the head and spine in line. If there are several people, one should steady the head.
- Babies and young children need a different technique: see St John Ambulance.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check they're breathing normally
Make sure it's safe, check they're unresponsive, then open the airway (tilt the head back, lift the chin) and check for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds. If they're not breathing normally, call 999 and start CPR instead.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Prepare them
Kneel beside them. Straighten their legs and take off their glasses and anything bulky in their pockets.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Position the arms
Place the arm nearest you at a right angle to their body, elbow bent, palm facing up. Bring the far arm across their chest and hold the back of that hand against the cheek nearest you.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Bend the far knee
With your other hand, pull up their far knee so the foot is flat on the floor.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Roll them towards you
Keeping their hand pressed to their cheek, pull on the bent knee to roll them towards you onto their side. Their top leg should be bent at the hip and knee to stop them rolling forwards.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Open the airway
Tilt the head back gently and lift the chin so the airway stays open and fluid can drain from the mouth.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Call 999 and monitor
Call 999 or 112 if nobody has. Keep checking their breathing until help arrives. If they stop breathing normally, roll them onto their back and start CPR. If they're in the position for 30 minutes, roll them onto the other side.
Tips
- Stay with them and keep them warm.
- Note what happened and when, to tell the ambulance crew.
When to call a professional
Always call 999 for someone who is unresponsive. A first aid course will teach you this hands-on.
Questions people ask
Which side should they lie on?
Either side works. Swap sides after 30 minutes to avoid pressure injury.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- St John Ambulance: Recovery position (sja.org.uk)
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