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How to place someone in the recovery position

Home right arrow   Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesright arrow   How to place someone in the recovery position

Step-by-step guide to putting someone in
the recovery position

cartoon position 1 and 2

1kneel beside the person

2straighten their arms and legs

cartoon position 3

3Fold the arm closest to you over their chest

cartoon position 4

4Place the other arm at a right angle to their body

cartoon position 5

5Get the leg closest to you and bend the knee

cartoon position 6

6While supporting the person's head and neck, gently take the bent knee closest to you and very gently roll the person away from you. Adjust the upper leg, so both the hip and knee are bent at right angles. Ensure the person is steady and cannot roll.

cartoon position 7

7Tilt the head back and make sure airways are clear and open

Page last reviewed: Thursday, 15 July 2021

If you need emergency support, please call Lifeline

13 11 14

which is a 24-hour crisis helpline or dial

000

for the police or an ambulance.