Jaw Thrust

The jaw thrust may be accomplished by the rescuer grasping the angles of the casualty's lower jaw and lifting with both hands, one on each side, displacing the jaw forward and up. The rescuer's elbows should rest on the surface on which the casualty is lying. If the lips are closed, the lower lip can be retracted with the thumb.

The head should be carefully supported without tilting it backwards or turning it from side to side. If this is unsuccessful, the head should be tilted back very slightly.

The jaw thrust is the safest first approach to opening the airway of a casualty who has a suspected neck injury because in most cases it can be accomplished without extending the neck.

Check for Breathing (while maintaining an airway). After establishing an open airway, it is important to maintain that airway in an open position. Often the act of just opening and maintaining the airway will allow the casualty to breathe properly.

Once the rescuer opens the airway he should maintain that head position to keep the airway open. Failure to maintain the open airway will prevent the casualty from receiving an adequate supply of oxygen.

While maintaining an open airway, check for breathing by observing the victim's chest and performing the following actions within 3 to 5 seconds:

• LOOK for the chest to rise and fall.
• LISTEN for air escaping during exhalation by placing your ear near the casualty's mouth.
• FEEL for the fl ow of air on your cheek.
• If the casualty does not resume breathing, start Rescue Breathing (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation).

IMPORTANT! If the victim resumes breathing, monitor and maintain the open airway. Even if he continues to breathe, he should be transported to a medical treatment facility as quickly as possible.