How to put someone in the recovery position
If this is an emergency, please call 000 immediately.
What is the recovery position?
In a medical emergency, call triple zero (000) immediately.
The recovery position is vital in ensuring that you can keep the patient's airways clear, and prevent them from choking on any substance that may be in their throat or mouth, such as vomit.
This guide is regularly updated and aligns with the current edition of Australian First Aid (4th edition, 7/2011)
What to do
Adult or child (over 1 year)
With the patient on their back, kneel beside the patient and position their arms.
- Place the patient’s furthest arm directly out from their body.
- Place the patient’s nearest arm across their chest.
Position the patient’s legs.
- Lift the patient’s nearest leg at the knee and place their foot on the floor so the leg is bent.
Roll the patient into position.
- Roll the patient away from you onto their side, carefully supporting their head and neck the whole time.
- Keep the patient’s leg bent with their knee touching the ground to prevent the patient rolling onto their face.
Place the patient’s hand under their chin to stop their head from tilting and to keep their airway open.
Infant (under 1 year)
Lie the infant face down on your forearm.
Support the infant’s head with your hand.