Airway Manoeuvres
March 25th, 2020
Overview
Airway manoeuvres are used to relieve upper airway obstruction, and maintain a patent airway.
Airway Manoeuvres
- Head tilt and chin lift - tilt the head backward into the sniffing position, opening the airway, and use the index and middle fingers to pull the mandible forward.
- Jaw thrust - use the index and middle fingers on each hand to push the mandible anteriorly, moving the tongue forward.
Pearls
- Use suction to clear the oral cavity of fluid or foreign body
- If there is concern for c-spine fracture, jaw thrust should be used
- Otherwise, head tilt and chin lift may be used in an attempt to open the airway
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