LESSON 3
OPENING AND MANAGING A CASUALTY'S AIRWAY
Section I. ON THE BATTLEFIELD
3-1.
MOVING TO SAFETY
If a casualty is not breathing, you must take measures to restore respiration
(breathing) as soon as possible. If you are under enemy fire, quickly move yourself and
the casualty to a location where you can safely administer measures to restore
breathing. (See Lessons 1 and 2.)
3-2.
CHECKING THE CASUALTY FOR RESPONSIVENESS
If the casualty appears to be unconscious, check the casualty for
responsiveness. Ask in a loud, but calm, voice: "Are you okay?" Also, gently shake or
tap the casualty on the shoulder. If the casualty does not respond, open his airway.
3-3.
POSITIONING THE CASUALTY
If the casualty is not on his back, turn him onto his back using the procedures
given in paragraph 2-5 of Lesson 2.
3-4.
OPENING THE CASUALTY'S AIRWAY
When a casualty becomes unconscious, all of his muscles may relax. This
relaxation may cause the casualty's tongue to slip to the back of his mouth and cover
the opening to his trachea (windpipe). Removing the obstruction and opening the
airway may allow the casualty to resume breathing on his own. Two approved methods
of opening the casualty's airway are the head-tilt/chin-lift method and the jaw thrust
method. If you suspect that the casualty has suffered a neck or spinal injury, use the
jaw thrust method. Otherwise, use the head-tilt/chin-lift method.
NOTE:
Even if the casualty is still breathing, positioning the airway will allow him to
breathe easier.
NOTE:
If you see something in the casualty's mouth (foreign material, loose teeth,
dentures, facial bone, vomitus, etc.) that could block his airway, use your
fingers to remove the material as quickly as possible.
MD0877
3-2
Previous Page
