Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Step-by-step recovery position
This page contains step-by-step instructions for putting someone into the recovery position. This can be useful if you are ever with someone who has had a tonic clonic (convulsive) seizure. These steps should be followed once the jerking (convulsing) has stopped.
You can also watch our YouTube video on how to put someone in the recovery position.
2. Place the person’s arm that is nearest you at a right angle to their body, so it is bent at the elbow with the hand pointing upwards. This will keep it out of the way when you roll them over.
3. Gently pick up their other hand with your palm against theirs (palm to palm). Now place the back of their hand onto their opposite cheek (for example, against their left cheek if it is their right hand). Keep your hand there to guide and support their head as you roll them.
4. Now use your other arm to reach across to the person’s knee that is furthest from you, and pull it up so that their leg is bent and their foot is flat on the floor.
5. Now, with your hand still on the person’s knee, pull their knee towards you so they roll over onto their side, facing you. The person’s body weight should help them to roll over quite easily.
6. Move the bent leg that is nearest to you, away from their body so that it is resting on the floor (bent at a right angle to their body).
7. Lastly gently raise their chin to tilt their head back slightly, as this will open up their airway and help them to breathe. Check that nothing is blocking their airway. If there is an obstruction, remove this if you can do so safely. Stay with them, giving reassurance, until they have fully recovered.
Epilepsy Society information - tell us what you think
Please take part in a short survey about the information we provide.
