Recovery position: First aid at home

When to put your child in the recovery position

If your child is unconscious, breathing and has a pulse (does not need CPR), put them in a recovery position until a health provider arrives. The recovery position prevents your child from choking while unconscious.

Possible spinal injury

If your child may have a spinal or neck injury, DO NOT move your child. If you are concerned about a spinal injury, only move your child if your child's airway is blocked and they are unable to breathe.

How to put your child into the recovery position

1. 

   Sit beside your child. Grasp the upper thigh and your child's cheek on the floor.

2. Roll your child onto their side toward you, as if you were rolling them down a hill.

3. Pull the leg up to bend the knee. Put the knee on the ground at a right angle to stabilize your child.

4. 

   Tilt the head back to maintain an open airway.