When should a jaw-thrust be used in place of a head tilt chin lift?
Sophia Hammond
Updated on March 10, 2026
When should a jaw-thrust be used in place of a head tilt chin lift?
In the setting of a possible cervical spine injury, the jaw-thrust maneuver, in which the neck is held in a neutral position, is preferred over the head tilt–chin lift maneuver.
What does a jaw-thrust achieve?
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.
What is modified jaw-thrust maneuver?
The modified jaw-thrust maneuver displaces the mandible forward by pushing the posterior aspects of the lower jaw with the index and middle fingers.
Does a jaw-thrust hurt?
The jaw-thrust maneuver is an effective technique to maintain a patent’s airway in this situation. However, the jaw-thrust has been reported to cause jaw pain [1], discomfort [2], bruising [3], or patient motor reflex responses [4].
What maneuver must be performed prior to displacing the jaw forward?
The jaw-thrust maneuver is used to open the airway in such a patient because the head and neck are not tilted back during this maneuver. The jaw (mandible) is displaced forward by the EMT’s fingers; this causes the patient’s tongue to be pulled forward, away from the back of the airway. You just studied 66 terms!
What 3 things should you avoid when performing the head tilt chin lift?
III. Technique
- One hand on forehead to tilt head back. Infant. Head in neutral position (sniffing position) Do not overextend head and neck. Child and adult. Head and neck slightly extended.
- Use other hand’s fingers under bony part of chin. Do not use thumb to lift chin. Lift Mandible upward and outward.
Can jaw thrust technique cause airway obstruction?
Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Airways 49-9, A). The most common cause of airway obstruction is falling back of the tongue and epiglottis in supine, unconscious patients (Fig. 49-9, B). This can be alleviated by the jaw thrust maneuver.
In which of the following situations should you perform the jaw-thrust maneuver?
In which of the following situations should the jaw-thrust maneuver be used? A. In any patient who is in cardiac arrest.
What is a potential complication of inserting an oropharyngeal airway that is too small?
An oropharyngeal airway device that is too small can displace the base of the patient’s tongue inferiorly toward the pharynx, thereby increasing the degree of obstruction, which may worsen with the application of CPAP in an effort to improve the airway obstruction.
Why would you perform a head tilt chin lift?
The head tilt-chin lift and jaw-thrust methods are indicated for conscious and unconscious patients who do not have an adequate airway. The purpose of these methods is to open and maintain a patent (clear) airway or to relieve a partial or total airway obstruction.