critical care medicine
How To Do Head Tilt–Chin Lift and Jaw Thrust Maneuvers
Step by Step Description of Procedure
Head tilt–chin lift Tilt the patient’s head back by pushing down on the forehead. Place the tips of your index and middle fingers under the chin and pull up on the mandible (not on the soft tissues). This lifts the tongue away from the posterior pharynx and improves airway patency. Be sure to pull up only on the bony parts of the mandible. Pressure to the soft tissues of the neck may obstruct the airway. Jaw thrust Stand at the head of the stretcher and place your palms on the patient’s temples and your fingers under the mandibular rami. In patients with possible cervical spine injury, avoid extending the neck. Lift the mandible upward with your fingers, at least until the lower incisors are higher than the upper incisors. This maneuver lifts the tongue along with the mandible, thus relieving upper airway obstruction. Be sure to pull or push up only on the bony parts of the mandible. Pressure to the soft tissues of the neck may obstruct the airway. 