How Do I Open My Airway?

To open your airway, or someone else's, use the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver, unless a spinal injury is suspected.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift:

   • Place one hand on the forehead and gently tilt the head back.
   • Place the fingertips of your other hand under the chin and lift the chin upwards. Avoid pressing deeply into the soft tissue under the chin, as this can obstruct the airway.
   • This maneuver lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat, opening the airway.

2. Suspected Spinal Injury:

   • If you suspect a spinal injury, do not use the head-tilt/chin-lift. Instead, use the jaw-thrust maneuver.
   • Place your fingers behind the angles of the jaw (where the jawbone meets the skull).
   • Thrust the jaw forward. This should lift the tongue without tilting the head.
   • If you need to open the mouth more, use your thumbs to gently pull down the lower lip.
   • Take extra care when lifting the chin.

By performing either the head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver, you can successfully open an airway.