How to place a patient in the recovery position
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In Making Synapses you practice it on the patient.
For an unresponsive person who is breathing normally, the recovery position keeps the airway clear.
Step by step
When
Unresponsive, breathing normally, no suspected spinal injury. [1]
Near arm
At a right angle to the body. [1]
Far hand
Against the near cheek. [1]
Far knee
Bend it; roll the person toward you. [1]
Airway
Tilt the head back slightly, mouth down. [1]
Check
Breathing often; start CPR if it stops. [1]
Common errors
- Using it when breathing is not normal.
- Not checking breathing again.
- Head not tilted.
Practice it in Making Synapses
In Making Synapses you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
Making Synapses cases that train this skill
- Febrile seizure
- Opioid overdose in the waiting room
- Suicide attempt by overdose
- Syncope
- Altered mental status, unknown cause
- Hypoglycemia, unresponsive
23 Making Synapses cases train this skill: open the case library
Sources
- AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC
- NASEMSO National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines
- NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic)
Facts and steps follow NASEMSO National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines; NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic). Making Synapses is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.