Authors: Betânia Ferreira (Internal Medicine) and Cláudio Ferreira (LUZ 24 Coordinating Nurse). The recovery position is a first aid technique that is recommended when a person is unconscious or has a significantly altered level of consciousness, is unresponsive, but is breathing normally . WARNING: An unconscious person who is not breathing normally, or whose breathing is irregular, slow or noisy, should not be placed in the recovery position. The person should also not be moved if a spinal injury is suspected. This may be more likely following road traffic accidents, falls from height, diving into shallow water, or severe blows to the head, neck or spine. SO, FIRST: Call 112 (in Portugal); Put your phone on speaker so that you can keep your hands free; Follow all the instructions given to you over the phone by the emergency service. The recovery position Loss of consciousness with normal breathing can occur, for example, in: Fainting; After a seizure; Hypoglycemia with a reduced level of consciousness; Excessive alcohol consumption. The purpose of placing a person in the recovery position is to keep them stable until specialized help arrives or they recover spontaneously: Ensuring that they continue to breathe properly (keeping the airway open); Reducing the risk of airway obstruction and suffocation. In the recovery position, the person lies on one side with: The head turned to the same side and tilted slightly backwards to: Make it easier for air to pass through the airway; Keep the tongue away from the back of the throat; Allow vomit, saliva, blood or other fluids that may accumulate to drain out of the mouth; Reduce the risk of aspiration into the airways. The arms : The arm on the side on which the person is lying is positioned at a right angle to the body, with the elbow bent at 90º and the palm facing upwards; The opposite arm is bent so that the back of the hand rests under the side of the face that is in contact with the ground. This helps to: Prevent the torso from rolling forwards; Help keep the head in position; Increase the stability of the position. The legs : The leg on the side on which the person is lying is straight and aligned with the body; The opposite leg is bent at the hip and knee at 90º, with the knee resting on the ground. This helps to: Prevent the abdominal area from rolling forwards; Help maintain body alignment; Increase the stability of the position. Is there a preferred side? No. The main aim is to ensure that the person continues to breathe properly and that the position is stable. In the later stages of pregnancy, however, it is preferable for the person to lie on their left side, provided that they continue to breathe properly and the position is stable. If there is an injury on one side of the body, the person should lie on the opposite side, again provided that they continue to breathe properly and the position is stable. How do you place someone in the recovery position? Before attempting to move someone you suspect is unconscious, call 112 (in Portugal) and put your phone on speaker. Meanwhile: Make sure that the situation is safe for you, the person and anyone else nearby. Check whether the person responds. If the person is unconscious, check whether they are breathing normally: Loosen any tight clothing so that you can see the chest; Place one hand on the person's forehead and two fingers under their chin; Bring your face close to the person's mouth and nose; For about 10 seconds, watch the chest to see whether it rises and try to feel exhaled air against your face. If you confirm that the person is breathing normally, place them in the recovery position. Remove glasses or any other objects that could cause discomfort or injury, including objects in their pockets. Also move away any nearby objects that could make it difficult to move the person; Kneel beside the person, on the side towards which you intend to turn them, so that less effort is required. If someone else is present, ask them to help so that the person can be moved more easily and effectively; Straighten the person's legs and place the arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body, with the elbow bent at 90º and the palm facing upwards; Place the back of the person's opposite hand against the cheek nearest to you and hold it there; With your other hand, bend the person's opposite knee, keeping their foot on the ground; Roll the person towards you by pulling on the bent knee and helping the shoulder follow the movement; Adjust the position if necessary; Monitor their breathing and wait for help to arrive or continue to follow the instructions you are given. In Portugal, learning what the recovery position is and how to place someone in it is part of the curriculum taught towards the end of basic education. It is very important for both young people and adults to know this first aid technique and be able to use it when necessary. Sources Salsa J, Cunha R. BIOCienTIC. Ciências Naturais, 9º ano. Porto Editora, 2023. Serviço Nacional de Saúde. Gestos que salvam! Posição lateral de segurança (PLS) . Serviço Nacional de Saúde. Posição lateral de segurança. Conheça as novas orientações . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item. English translation generated with AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
