When opening the airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique, which position should the airway be in for assessment?

The head-tilt/chin-lift technique involves maneuvering the airway into a slightly past-neutral position to effectively open the airway. This technique is used to lift the tongue away from the back of the throat, which can obstruct airflow in an unconscious or semi-conscious patient.

In this slightly past-neutral position, the head is tilted back more than just a neutral alignment, allowing for optimal alignment of the airway passages. By elevating the chin, the airway is opened wider, facilitating better airflow and improving the ability to assess whether the patient is breathing. It is crucial during basic life support to provide effective ventilation; thus, ensuring the airway is in the correct position is foundational for care.

Understanding the positioning helps practitioners remember that a neutral position does not adequately open the airway for assessment, and excessive extension may lead to further obstruction or injury to the spinal column, particularly in trauma cases.