Spinal Injury - Jaw Thrust

Summary

This video script instructs on the proper use of the jaw thrust maneuver for opening an airway in suspected head, neck, or spinal injuries. It emphasizes the importance of an open airway over spinal care in non-breathing victims. The script outlines signs of spinal injury and details the correct technique: placing hands alongside the face, fingers under the jawbone, and thumbs on cheekbones, then lifting the jaw and pressing down on cheekbones to open the airway without moving the head or neck.

Takeaways

• 🚑 Use the jaw thrust maneuver to open the airway for suspected head, neck, or spinal injuries without moving the head.
• 🤚 Perform the jaw thrust by lifting the jaw up with fingers along the jawbone, ensuring not to tilt the head back.
• 🔄 If the jaw thrust is ineffective, use the head tilt chin lift maneuver as an alternative to open the airway.
• 🆘 Prioritize an open airway over spinal injury care for non-breathing victims.
• 🤕 Suspect a spinal injury if the victim complains of neck or back pain, tingling in extremities, or weakness.
• 🏊‍♂️ Spinal injuries can result from diving into shallow water, head, neck, or back injuries, or being involved in vehicle accidents.
• 👁️ Look for signs such as bruising around the eyes and ears, blood or fluids in the ears and nose, and changes in consciousness.
• 💊 Symptoms of spinal injury include impaired breathing, vision, body movement, and severe pain in the head, neck, or back.
• 👐 To perform the jaw thrust, place hands firmly alongside the victim's face, with fingers under the jaw and thumbs on the cheekbones.
• ✅ Practice the jaw thrust maneuver to ensure proper technique and effectiveness in real-life situations.

Q & A

What is the jaw thrust maneuver used for?

The jaw thrust maneuver is used to open the airway of a person suspected of having a head, neck, or spinal injury without moving or tilting the head back.

How do you perform the jaw thrust maneuver?

To perform the jaw thrust, you lift the jaw up with your fingers along the jawbone, placing your fingers at the bottom of the jawbone and your thumbs on the cheekbones, then press down with your thumbs and lift up with your fingers.

Why is it important to open the airway in a non-breathing person?

It is more important to have an open airway for a non-breathing person than to care for a suspected spinal injury because an open airway is essential for breathing and can be life-saving.

What are the signs that might indicate a spinal injury?

Signs of a spinal injury include neck or back pain, tingling in the extremities, weakness, bruising around the eyes and behind the ears, blood or fluids in the ears and nose, changes in level of consciousness, impaired breathing, vision, or body movement, and severe pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back.

In what situations might you suspect a spinal injury?

You might suspect a spinal injury if the victim complains of neck or back pain, was injured diving into shallow water, has an obvious head, neck, or back injury, was an occupant, rider, or pedestrian in a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle crash, or was injured from a fall greater than standing height.

What is the head tilt chin lift maneuver and when is it used?

The head tilt chin lift maneuver is used to open the airway when the jaw thrust maneuver is not effective. It involves tilting the head back and lifting the chin to open the airway.

How do you know if the airway is properly opened using the jaw thrust?

The airway is properly opened if you can see the back of the victim's tongue and their chest rises and falls with breathing.

What should you do if you're unable to open the airway with the jaw thrust?

If you're unable to open the airway with the jaw thrust, you should try the head tilt chin lift maneuver to open the airway.

Why is it important not to move the head or neck during the jaw thrust maneuver?

It is important not to move the head or neck during the jaw thrust maneuver to prevent further injury to the spinal cord in case of a suspected spinal injury.

How can you practice the jaw thrust maneuver safely?

You can practice the jaw thrust maneuver on a mannequin or with a partner's consent, ensuring your hands are placed firmly alongside the face, your thumbs on the cheekbones, and your fingers under the jawbone, then press and lift as described.

What is the role of the jaw thrust maneuver in first aid for head and neck injuries?

The jaw thrust maneuver is a critical first aid technique for maintaining an open airway in cases of suspected head, neck, or spinal injuries, helping to prevent further harm and potentially save a life.