Recovery Position from Any Start: Position Cards

Real victims aren't always lying face-up and neatly placed: each pair draws a card with a starting position and must get to the recovery position safely. It applies the recovery position to realistic sports situations, not just the textbook version.

How to play

1. Quick review of the standard recovery position from face-up, and when to use it: an unresponsive person who is breathing normally (4 min).
2. In pairs, the actor draws a card (face-down, slumped against a wall, on their side with an arm trapped, after falling off a bench) and takes that position; the rescuer works out how to roll them into the recovery position without straining joints (6 min).
3. After each roll, the rescuer checks airway open, mouth angled downward and breathing, and monitors for 30 seconds; then swap roles (2 min).
4. Group special case: if a neck or back injury is suspected, discuss why you keep them still and only roll them if the airway is at risk (vomiting) (4 min).
5. Wrap-up: each pair teaches another pair the starting position they found hardest (4 min).

Rules

• Move slowly and always tell the actor what you are about to do.
• Never pull on the head or neck.
• The actor can help a little if a joint feels strained.
• Work on mats with space between pairs.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: act as the guiding rescuer, coaching a partner verbally through the moves.
• Students who prefer no contact: work with a trusted partner, or explain the steps on a dummy or a backpack.
• Visually impaired students: work from a verbal description of the position and check by touch with permission.

Learning goals

• Use the recovery position from a variety of starting positions.
• Keep monitoring breathing after positioning the victim.
• Judge when a person should not be moved.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 15
• position cards: 15

Teacher tip

Make position cards with a stick figure: they are clearer than a sentence. The usual mistake is positioning and walking away: stress that the recovery position means staying and checking breathing continuously until help arrives.

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