HEAD-TILT/CHIN-LIFT MANEUVER

The head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver is a simple but effective technique used to open the airway in patients who are unresponsive and do not have suspected cervical spine injury. It works by lifting the tongue away from the back of the throat, thus relieving airway obstruction.

INDICATIONS

• Unresponsive patient
• Absence of suspected cervical spine injury

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Suspected cervical spine injury (in these cases, the jaw-thrust maneuver should be used)

TECHNIQUE

1. Positioning: Place the patient supine (on their back) on a firm, flat surface.

2. Head Tilt: Place one hand on the patient’s forehead and apply firm backward pressure to tilt the head back.

3. Chin Lift: Place the fingertips of your other hand under the bony part of the patient’s chin.

4. Lifting the Chin: Lift the chin forward, bringing the jaw forward with it. Avoid pressing on the soft tissues under the chin, as this can obstruct the airway.

5. Maintaining the Position: Maintain the head tilt and chin lift to keep the airway open.

COMMON ERRORS

• Pressing on the soft tissues under the chin.
• Not tilting the head back far enough.
• Not lifting the chin sufficiently.

IMPORTANCE

The head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver is a fundamental skill in basic life support and is often the first step in managing a patient’s airway. It’s crucial to perform this technique correctly to ensure a patent airway.