a. Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift Method.
CAUTION:
Do not use this method if a spinal or neck injury is suspected.
(1)
Kneel at the level of the casualty's shoulders.
(2) Place one of your hands on the casualty's forehead and apply firm,
backward pressure with the palm of your hand to tilt the head back.
(3) Place the fingertips of your other hand under the tip of the bony part of
the casualty's lower jaw and bring the chin forward. See figure 3-1.
(4) Lift the chin forward until the upper and lower teeth are almost brought
together. The mouth should not be closed as this could interfere with breathing if the
nasal passages are blocked or damaged. If needed, the thumb may be used to depress
the casualty's lower lip slightly to keep his mouth open.
Figure 3-1. Opening the airway using the head-tile/chin-lift method.
CAUTION:
Do not use the thumb to lift the lower jaw.
CAUTION:
Do not press deeply into the soft tissue under the chin with the fingers
as this could close the casualty's airway.
CAUTION:
Do not allow the casualty's mouth to close. The mouth must remain
open so the casualty can breath air in and out.
MD0877
3-3
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