HEAD-TILT/CHIN-LIFT
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Indicated when upper airway obstruction results from depressed airway muscle tone (unconscious supine patient)
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Contraindicated in the setting of potential cervical spine injury
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Procedure
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Place one hand on the patient’s forehead and the tips of the index and middle finger of the other hand under the patient’s chin
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Tilt the head back and lift the chin, resulting in the ”sniffing” position (flexion of the lower cervical spine, extension of the upper cervical spine)
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Post
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Assess upper airway patency
JAW-THRUST
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Indicated when upper airway obstruction results from depressed airway muscle tone in the setting of potential cervical spine injury, or when head-tilt/chin-lift fails to open the upper airway
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Procedure
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Position the patient’s head in the neutral position
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Place the palms on the patient’s parieto-occipital areas and thumbs on the patient’s cheekbones
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Place the tips of the index and middle fingers behind the angles of the patient’s jaw and lift the mandible anteriorly
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Post
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Assess upper airway patency
