Step-by-step recovery position

Step-by-step recovery position

Step-by-step instructions for putting someone into the recovery position

These instructions 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.

1. Kneel on the floor to one side of the person.

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. Gently pull their knee towards you so they roll over onto their side, facing you. Their body weight should help them to roll over quite easily.

5. Move the bent leg that is nearest to you, in front of their body so that it is resting on the floor.

6. Bend their knee so that it is at a right angle to their body. This position will help to balance them.

7. 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, such as food in their mouth, remove this if you can do so safely. Stay with them, giving reassurance, until they have fully recovered.

© Epilepsy Society
Information produced in November 2012

See also:

• Recovery position video
• 10 first aid steps when someone has a convulsive seizure
• First aid mobile app
• Epileptic seizures

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