11/13/24, 7\:19 PM Guide | Basic airway manoeuvres

Basic airway manoeuvres

Table of contents

Introduction

Basic airway manoeuvres relieve upper airway obstruction in patients with a reduced level of consciousness. The tongue and
soft palate can obstruct the upper airway in patients with a reduced level of consciousness.
These basic airway manoeuvres do not require equipment and are quick to perform.
Indications of upper airway obstruction include\:
Snoring
Gurgling noises
Hypoxia
No fogging of oxygen mask

Head-tilt & chin-lift

The head-tilt & chin-lift manoeuvre anteriorly lifts the tongue and soft tissues of the pharynx to open the airway. This
manoeuvre should not be performed in a patient with a suspected spinal injury as it causes extension of the cervical spine.
To perform a head-tilt & chin-lift\:
1. Place one hand on the patient’s forehead and the other under the chin.
2. Tilt the forehead back whilst lifting the chin forward to extend the neck.
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Place one hand on the patient’s forehead and the other under the chin.

Jaw thrust

The jaw thrust involves lifting the mandible to move the tongue and relieve upper airway obstruction. The jaw thrust can be
used in patients with a suspected spinal injury, as it does not extend the cervical spine.
To perform a jaw thrust\:
1. Identify the angle of the mandible
2. Place two
3. Lift the mandible forwards
Identify the angle of the mandible
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To complete the procedure…

Continue to monitor the airway and deliver interventions as required (e.g. basic life support, ABCDE assessment).
Consider inserting an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway.
Source\: geekymedics.com
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