Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100211.htm

Recovery position - series—Procedure, part 3

Procedure, part 3

Overview

Adjust the top leg so that both the hip and knee are bent at right angles. Gently tilt the head back to keep the airway open. Keep the person warm until medical help is obtained. If breathing or circulation stops at any time, roll the person back on to their back and begin CPR.

Review Date 1/2/2023

Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.