Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

Which technique is recommended for opening the airway of a trauma patient?

1. Head tilt-chin lift

2. Jaw thrust or modified jaw thrust

3. Nasal airway insertion

4. Oral airway insertion

The correct answer is: Jaw thrust or modified jaw thrust

In the context of managing a trauma patient, the jaw thrust or modified jaw thrust technique is the preferred method for opening the airway. This approach is particularly essential in trauma cases where there may be a concern for spinal injuries. The primary reason for favoring the jaw thrust is that it minimizes movement of the cervical spine, which could exacerbate any existing spinal injuries. By displacing the jaw forward, this technique helps to lift the tongue away from the back of the throat, thereby clearing the airway without compromising the alignment of the spine. The head tilt-chin lift method, while effective in many non-traumatic scenarios, is not recommended for trauma patients because it requires hyperextension of the neck, which could potentially worsen a spinal injury. Nasal and oral airway insertions are also useful airway management techniques but are more applicable in specific situations and do not address the need for maintaining spinal precautions in trauma patients. Thus, the jaw thrust technique is the safest and most appropriate method to ensure airway patency in this specific context.