First Responder EMS Curriculum for Training Centers in Eurasia

Precautions1. Finger must not press deeply into the soft tissues of the chin as this may lead toairway obstruction.2. The thumb should not be used for lifting the chin.3. The mouth must not be closed.b. Jaw Thrust without Head-TiltThis technique is an alternative method of opening the airway. It is an effective butfatiguing method, which is somewhat more technically difficult. This is the safestapproach, however, to opening the airway in the patient with a suspected spinal injury.Indications1. Used for trauma patients2. Used for unresponsive patientsTechniqueGrasp the angles of the patient's lower jaw. Lift with both hands displacing the mandibleforward. If the lips close, open the lower lip with your gloved thumb.4. Inspection of the AirwayAn unresponsive patient may have fluid or solids in the airway that compromise theairway. The First Responder also should inspect the airways of responsive patients whocannot protect their airway.Indications1. All unresponsive patients2. Responsive patients who may not be able to protect their own airwaysTechniqueOpen the patient's mouth with a gloved hand. Look inside the airway. Determinewhether the airway is clear (patent) or blocked (occluded). The airway can be blockedwith fluids such as secretions, blood, or stomach contents, or solids such as food orteeth, or foreign bodies such as dentures.5. Airway Adjunctsa. Oropharyngeal (Oral) AirwaysOropharyngeal airways may be used to assist in maintaining an open airway in anunresponsive patient without a gag reflex. Patients with a gag reflex may vomit whenthis airway is placed.Technique1. Select the proper size. Measure from the corner of the patient's lips to the tip of theearlobe or angle of jaw.2. Open the patient's mouth.3. Insert the airway upside down, with the tip facing toward the roof of the patient'smouth.4. Advance the airway gently until resistance is encountered.64First Responder EMS Curriculum/AIHA, July 2002