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How to Check for Airway?

Published in First Aid 3 mins read

To check for an airway, especially in an unconscious and unresponsive person, follow these steps:

When dealing with someone who is unresponsive, checking their airway is crucial for ensuring they can breathe. The procedure involves carefully examining the mouth and, if needed, adjusting the head position. Let's look at how to do this effectively:

Steps to Check for Airway:

  1. Initial Assessment: Verify that the person is unresponsive before proceeding.
  2. Mouth Examination:
    • Open the mouth: Gently open their mouth and visually inspect the inside.
    • Clear obstructions: Look for any obstructions such as food, vomit, or other foreign objects. If any are present, remove them if possible.
  3. Head Tilt-Chin Lift: If the mouth is clear, the next step is to open the airway further.
    • Tilt the head: Gently tilt the person's head back.
    • Lift the chin: Lift the chin to further extend the neck. This action opens the airway.
  4. Breathing Assessment: After completing these steps, look, listen, and feel for breathing.

Detailed Explanation:

  • Why Check the Mouth? Obstructed airways prevent air from reaching the lungs. Identifying and removing any obvious obstructions helps to open the airway.
  • Why Head Tilt-Chin Lift? This maneuver helps lift the tongue away from the back of the throat, which can be a common source of obstruction.
  • What to do after: Once you've established that the airway is open, continue to monitor the person's breathing. If they are not breathing, or breathing inadequately, you may need to begin CPR.
Step Action Purpose
1. Assess Responsiveness Check if the person is unconscious. Ensures that checking for airway is necessary.
2. Check Mouth Open the mouth and visually check for obstructions. Removes any obvious obstructions.
3. Head Tilt-Chin Lift Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin. Opens the airway by moving the tongue away from the back of the throat.
4. Check Breathing Look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing. Determines if breathing is present after opening the airway.

Remember, checking the airway is a crucial step in providing immediate assistance to an unresponsive individual. Always prioritize safety and proper technique.

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