What to Do If Someone Is Unconscious but Breathing
Information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you always seek appropriate professional help or seek immediate medical attention for serious conditions. See full disclaimer here
😴 What to Do If Someone Is Unconscious but Breathing
Finding someone who’s unresponsive can be frightening — but if they’re still breathing, your quick actions can keep their airway open and protect their life until help arrives.
Here’s what to do, step by step.
⚠️ Step One: Check for Danger
Before you approach, make sure it’s safe for you to do so. Look out for hazards like traffic, electricity, or fire.
If it’s safe, go to the person and gently tap their shoulder to see if they respond.
🗣️ Step Two: Check for a Response
Speak loudly: “Hi, Are you okay? Can I help you?” (you must ask if you can help them)
Gently squeeze their shoulders if there’s no response.
If they don’t react, they are unresponsive.
💨 Step Three: Open the Airway
Place one hand on the person’s forehead and tilt their head back gently.
Use two fingers under the chin to lift it upwards — this opens the airway.
👃 Step Four: Check for Breathing
For to 10 seconds, get you cheek close to their mouth and:
Look for chest movement
Listen for breathing sounds
Feel for breath on your cheek
If they’re breathing normally, (twice or more in the 10 seconds) move to the next step.
If they’re not breathing or breathing abnormally (gasping, irregular), start CPR — see I’m Untrained: How to Perform CPR.
🧍 Step Five: Place Them in the Recovery Position
This keeps their airway open and prevents choking if they vomit.
Kneel beside the person.
Check the ground to make sure its safe to roll them onto it
Straighten their legs.
Place the arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body.
Bring the far arm across their chest and hold the back of their hand against their cheek.
Bend the far knee and roll them towards you by pulling on that knee.
Adjust the top leg so the hip and knee are at right angles, keeping them stable.
Tilt the head back to keep the airway open.
- Check they are still breathing
📞 Step Six: Get Help and Monitor
Call 999 or 112 and explain that the person is unconscious but breathing.
Stay with them and check their breathing every 20 seconds
If they stop breathing at any time, start CPR immediately.
🧊 Step Seven: While You Wait for Help
Keep them warm using a coat or blanket.
Loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest.
Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
When to Seek Medical Help (Always)
Even if the person wakes up and seems fine, they should still be checked by a medical professional, especially if the cause is unknown, or they’ve had a head injury, collapse, or alcohol/drug involvement.
Learn More with DAC Education
Our First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid courses teach how to recognise and respond to unconsciousness, including when and how to start CPR.
Hands-on training builds confidence — so you can act fast when it matters most.
👉 Book a First Aid Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)
Disclaimer
This article offers general guidance for public use. Always call 999 or 112 for medical emergencies, and follow the advice of emergency operators.