When is the head tilt-chin lift technique indicated?

• A. An unconscious patient with no suspected neck injury found in bed
• B. A semiconscious patient after a fall
• C. A patient with a suspected spinal injury
• D. A conscious patient with normal spontaneous breathing

Answer: (A)

Opening the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin works to relieve airway obstruction caused by the tongue falling back in an unconscious patient. This method is appropriate when there is no suspicion of neck or spinal injury, because it safely opens the airway without risking cervical spine movement.

In the other scenarios, this technique is not used. If there is a suspected spinal injury, you avoid extending the neck and use a jaw-thrust maneuver to minimize movement of the cervical spine. A semiconscious patient after a fall raises concern for possible spinal injury, so head tilt-chin lift isn’t preferred. A conscious patient with normal spontaneous breathing already has an open airway and does not require this maneuver, unless obstruction becomes evident, in which case other airway techniques would be considered.