During CPR, what is the correct technique to open the airway?

• A. Head-tilt, Chin-lift
• B. Jaw-thrust
• C. Head-tilt only
• D. Lift the jaw

Answer: (A)

Opening the airway in CPR hinges on straightening the upper airway so air can pass freely and rescue breaths can be delivered effectively. The head-tilt, chin-lift does this by tilting the head back and lifting the chin, which moves the tongue away from the back of the throat and aligns the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal airways. This creates a clear path for air to enter the lungs and makes ventilation easier and more reliable. It’s the standard technique when there’s no suspected neck injury because it quickly clarifies the airway with a simple motion. The jaw-thrust is reserved for situations where a neck injury is possible, since it opens the airway without extending the neck. Tilting the head alone doesn’t adequately lift the tongue or open the airway, and “lift the jaw” isn’t a formal technique used to establish a reliable airway.