Airway Opening Techniques: Head Tilt-Chin Lift vs. Jaw Thrust
Basic Airway Maneuvers for Unresponsive Patients
A patent airway is the first priority in BLS. Two primary techniques:
1. Head Tilt–Chin Lift (Primary for Non-Trauma)
- Place one hand on forehead; apply firm backward pressure to tilt head back.
- Place fingertips of other hand under bony chin; lift chin upward.
- Mouth opens slightly; tongue lifted off posterior pharynx.
- Contraindicated if cervical spine injury suspected.
2. Jaw Thrust (For Suspected C-Spine Injury)
- Kneel at patient's head; elbows on surface for stability.
- Place index/middle fingers of both hands under angles of mandible (below ears).
- Place thumbs on cheeks for leverage.
- Lift mandible forward/upward (displacing tongue anteriorly) without tilting head.
- If lips close, use thumbs to gently depress lower lip.
- Maintain until advanced airway placed or patient awakens.
Key Differences
| Feature | Head Tilt–Chin Lift | Jaw Thrust |
|---|---|---|
| C-spine safe? | No – extends neck | Yes – neutral alignment |
| Ease of performance | Easier, one-handed possible | Requires two hands, practice |
| Effectiveness | High (if no obstruction) | High; may be better for obstruction |