Airway Manoeuvres (BLS) | Head-Tilt & Chin-Lift | Jaw Thrust | ABCDE Emergency | OSCE Guide

Summary

In this video, James explains three simple airway opening maneuvers: the head tilt-chin lift and jaw thrust, which are key to emergency assessments for relieving airway obstructions. He highlights the importance of using these maneuvers in different situations, especially considering cervical spine injuries, where the jaw thrust is preferred over head tilt. Through demonstrations, he shows how these techniques help move the tongue, which can obstruct the airway in unconscious patients, to allow air passage into the lungs. Practical tips and anatomical insights are provided throughout the video.

Takeaways

• 🫁 Simple airway opening maneuvers are essential for emergency assessment of patients who are acutely unwell.
• 👃 Head tilt and chin lift are basic techniques to relieve airway obstructions caused by the tongue or other factors.
• ❗ A patient snoring, gurgling, or lack of mask fogging may indicate airway obstruction.
• 🚫 Head tilt is contraindicated if there is a concern for cervical spine injury due to neck movement.
• 🦴 Jaw thrust is an alternative maneuver when head tilt and chin lift cannot be used, especially for patients with suspected cervical spine injuries.
• 👅 Unconscious patients may have airway obstructions caused by the tongue falling back into the throat due to relaxed muscles.
• 💨 Both head tilt/chin lift and jaw thrust aim to clear the airway, allowing air to flow into the lungs.
• 🖐️ Head tilt/chin lift involves placing one hand on the forehead and using fingers under the chin to open the airway.
• ✋ Jaw thrust involves lifting the mandible upwards using fingers placed under the angle of the mandible without moving the neck.
• 🔍 The anatomical goal of these maneuvers is to ensure that the airway remains open, especially in emergencies involving unconscious patients.

Q & A

What is the purpose of airway opening maneuvers?

The purpose of airway opening maneuvers is to relieve any obstruction in the airway to allow proper assessment and ensure airflow to the lungs.

What are the three airway opening maneuvers mentioned in the script?

The three airway opening maneuvers mentioned are head tilt, chin lift, and jaw thrust.

When is a head tilt and chin lift maneuver contraindicated?

A head tilt and chin lift maneuver is contraindicated when there is concern about a cervical spine injury, such as in cases of trauma.

What is the indication that a patient’s airway might be obstructed?

Signs of airway obstruction include snoring, gurgling sounds, or the absence of fogging in an oxygen mask.

Why is the jaw thrust maneuver used instead of the head tilt and chin lift in certain cases?

The jaw thrust maneuver is used when there is concern about a cervical spine injury, as it does not require moving the neck, reducing the risk of exacerbating the injury.

How does the tongue cause an airway obstruction in an unconscious person?

In an unconscious person, the muscles that normally hold the tongue in place relax, allowing the tongue to fall back into the throat, blocking the airway.

How does the head tilt and chin lift maneuver help open the airway?

The head tilt and chin lift maneuver helps open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin, which moves the tongue away from the back of the throat.

What is the key difference between the head tilt and chin lift versus the jaw thrust?

The key difference is that the head tilt and chin lift involves moving the head and neck, while the jaw thrust does not, making the jaw thrust suitable for patients with suspected cervical spine injuries.

How does the jaw thrust maneuver relieve airway obstruction?

The jaw thrust maneuver relieves airway obstruction by lifting the mandible forward, which moves the tongue away from the back of the throat and allows air to pass through.

What is the general process for performing the head tilt and chin lift maneuver?

To perform the head tilt and chin lift maneuver, place one hand on the patient's forehead to push down and use two fingers under the chin to lift it, which opens the airway.