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Fainting and the recovery position

Helping someone who has fainted or is unconscious but breathing.

In an emergency, call your emergency number first — 112 across the EU. This is general information, not a substitute for hands-on first-aid training or professional medical care. If you are unsure, call for help and follow the dispatcher's instructions.

When to use this

Use when someone feels faint, has briefly passed out, or is unconscious but breathing normally.

Step by step

1. If they feel faint, help them sit or lie down before they fall, and raise their legs.
2. Loosen tight clothing and make sure they have fresh air.
3. If someone is unconscious but breathing normally, roll them onto their side into the recovery position to keep the airway clear.
4. Tilt the head back slightly so the tongue does not block the throat, and check breathing continues.
5. Call 112 if they do not come round quickly, are injured, or their breathing is not normal.

What not to do

• Do not give food or drink to someone who is not fully alert.
• Do not leave an unconscious person on their back unattended.

Emergency numbers

112 reaches emergency services across the European Union and much of the world, often even without a SIM or signal from your own network. Some countries keep additional local numbers.

Other first-aid guides

Source: Steps paraphrase widely-accepted guidance from bodies such as the European Resuscitation Council and national Red Cross societies. General information, not a substitute for training. · checked 2026-09-04

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