Airway Opening: Head Tilt-Chin Lift vs. Jaw Thrust — Technique Comparison

Both maneuvers open the upper airway by displacing the tongue and epiglottis anteriorly. Choice depends on cervical spine injury suspicion.

Head Tilt-Chin Lift (Standard)

• Technique: One hand on forehead (tilt head back), fingers of other hand under mandibular chin (lift).
• Indication: Unconscious, no suspected cervical spine injury.
• Advantages: Easier to perform/maintain; less rescuer fatigue; recommended for lay rescuers.
• Risk: Neck extension → potential cervical spine displacement if unstable fracture.

Jaw Thrust (Modified for Trauma)

• Technique: Hands at angles of mandible; index fingers behind mandibular angles, thumbs on chin; lift mandible forward (no head tilt).
• Indication: Suspected cervical spine injury (trauma, fall, diving, MVC).
• Advantages: Maintains cervical alignment.
• Disadvantages: More difficult; requires two rescuers for effective ventilation; rescuer fatigue.

Guideline Consensus (AHA/ERC/ILCOR)

• Lay rescuers: Head tilt-chin lift (simpler, effective).
• Healthcare providers: Jaw thrust if trauma mechanism; head tilt-chin lift if no trauma.
• If jaw thrust fails → head tilt-chin lift (airway patency paramount).

Pediatric Note

Infants/children: Neutral/slight sniffing position; avoid overextension (tracheal compression).