Recovery position

Authors: Simulation and Certification Center

Editor: Rednenko V.V.

Clinical situation:

The person is alive (presence of pulse and breathing), but he is unconscious and has no obvious signs of injury.

Equipment for the practical skill:

• protective gloves;
• patient care simulator or simulated patient.

The procedure for performing a practical skill

• Kneel down next to the casualty and make sure both his legs are straight.

• If the person is wearing glasses, or have any bulky items in their pockets, remove them. Do not search their pockets for small items.
• Place the person’s arm that is nearest to you at a right angle to person’s body, with the elbow bent and his palm facing upwards.

• Bring other person’s arm across his chest and place the back of his hand against the cheek nearest to you. Hold it there.

•   With your other hand, pull person’s far knee up so that their foot is flat on the floor.

• Keeping the back of the casualty’s hand pressed against his cheek, pull on the far leg to roll the casualty towards you on to his side. You can then adjust the top leg so that it is bent at a right angle.

• Gently tilt the casualty’s head back and lift his chin to make sure his airway stays open. You can adjust the hand under their cheek to do this.

• Call 103 for emergency help if it hasn’t already been done. Monitor person level of response while waiting for help to arrive.
• If they remain in the recovery position for 30 minutes, roll him into the recovery position on the other side.