Recovery position (no equipment)

In the absence of spinal immobilisation equipment or for those who are untrained in its use, other techniques can be used to assist an injured person who is breathing normally and doesn’t require resuscitation. Manual in line support can continue to be applied with the injured person on their back (supine) or alternatively they can be positioned on this side in what is called the “recovery position“.

This is particularly appropriate if there is only a single first responder who has to leave the injured person in order to summon help.

The recovery position takes into account the fact that the person may have airway problems or may vomit, and so positioning on them on their side helps keep their airway clear, which is critical to continued well-being.