Check, Call, Care: Recovery Position
In pairs, students learn how to assess an unresponsive person who is breathing and roll them into the recovery position, then apply it to simulated scenarios on cards. They work on Check, Call, Care, a safe rolling technique and communicating with emergency services.
How to play
- Spend 3 minutes reviewing Check, Call, Care: make the scene safe, call 911 and give care; explain the difference between someone who is breathing and someone who is not.
- Slowly demonstrate the recovery position: near arm at a right angle, far hand under the cheek, far knee bent and roll toward the rescuer. 3 minutes.
- In pairs on mats, one student lies down relaxed while the other positions them, saying the steps out loud; switch roles every 2 minutes. 6 minutes.
- Scenario cards: each pair draws a situation (fainting on a hike, a hit after a bike fall) and acts out the whole response, including a mock 911 call stating location and what happened. 6 minutes.
- Discuss for 2 minutes when not to move the person (possible spinal injury with no danger nearby).
Rules
- Roll your partner slowly, supporting head and knee, no jerking.
- The student playing the victim can stop at any time if uncomfortable.
- Always work on a mat.
Variations
Easier
Practice only the rolling technique with no scenarios, the step sheet in view.
Standard
Partner technique and two scenarios with a mock 911 call.
Harder
Groups-of-three scenarios where the victim stops breathing mid-scene and rescuers switch to CPR.
Adaptations
- A student with limited mobility talks a partner through each step and makes the mock call.
- For students with autism, provide a picture sheet of the steps and ask permission before any contact.
- When partners differ greatly in size, work in threes so two students help with the roll.
Learning goals
- Check whether a person is responsive and breathing.
- Place a person in the recovery position.
- Give 911 the key information clearly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 13
- cards: 13
Teacher tip
Stress that the head should tilt slightly back to keep the airway open. This lesson fits great before outdoor trips: ask students to picture the end-of-year hike.
PatioLab has "Check, Call, Care: Recovery Position" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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