To check if the person is conscious, try to get a response by gently tapping their shoulders and calling their name.
If there is no response:
1. Open the airway by placing one hand on their forehead and gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Remove any visible obstructions from the mouth and nose.
2. Check breathing by looking, listening and feeling for breathing on your cheek for up to ten seconds.
If they are breathing, treat any life-threatening injuries and put them in the recovery position.
Recovery position for adults
This is the best position for a casualty who is unconscious and breathing.
If the casualty is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position.
1. Place arm nearest you at a right angle.
2. Move the other arm, as shown, with the back of their hand against their cheek. Then get hold of the knee furthest from you and pull up until foot is flat on the floor.
3. Pull the knee towards you, keeping the person’s hand pressed against their cheek, and position the leg at a right angle.
4. Make sure that the airway remains open by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Check breathing.
5. Monitor the casualty’s condition until help arrives.
To check if the child is conscious, try to get a response by gently tapping their shoulders and calling their name.
If there is no response:
1. Open the airway by placing one hand on their forehead and gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Remove any visible obstructions from the mouth and nose.
2. Check breathing by looking, listening and feeling for breathing on your cheek for up to ten seconds.
If they are breathing, treat any life-threatening injuries and put them in the recovery position.
Recovery position for children
This is the best position for a casualty who is unconscious and breathing.
If the casualty is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position.
1. Place the arm nearest you at a right angle.
2. Move the other arm, as shown, with the back of their hand against their cheek. Then get hold of the knee furthest from you and pull up until foot is flat on the floor.
3. Pull the knee towards you, keeping the child’s hand pressed against their cheek, and position the leg at a right angle.
4. Make sure that the airway remains open by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Check breathing.
5. Monitor the casualty’s condition until help arrives.
To check if the casualty is conscious, try to get a response by calling their name and gently tapping their foot.
If there is no response:
1. Open the airway by placing one hand on their forehead and gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Remove any visible obstructions from the mouth and nose.
2. Check breathing by looking, listening and feeling for breathing on your cheek for up to ten seconds.
If a baby is unconscious and breathing, hold them on their side, head tilted, as if you were giving them a cuddle, with their head lower than their tummy.
If you would like to learn more first aid techniques, why not look at our range of first aid courses throughout the UK?
