In trauma care, which airway maneuver is recommended as the first step when cervical spine injury is suspected?

• A. Jaw-thrust with manual inline stabilization
• B. Head-tilt-chin-lift
• C. Cricoid pressure
• D. Immediate endotracheal intubation

Answer: (A)

In trauma with suspected cervical spine injury, the priority is to secure the airway while preventing any neck movement. The jaw-thrust maneuver opened airway space without extending the neck, and when done with manual inline stabilization, it keeps the head and neck aligned to protect the spine. This approach lets you establish a patent airway promptly without risking further spinal injury.

Head-tilt-chin-lift would move the neck and is contraindicated when a cervical spine injury is possible. Cricoid pressure is not routinely recommended in trauma airway management and can hinder ventilation and airway access. Immediate endotracheal intubation, while sometimes necessary, is not the first step; it should follow securing the airway with minimal movement and proper cervical stabilization.