Head Tilt/Chin Lift

The head tilt/chin lift is a procedure used to stop the tongue from obstructing the upper airway in an unconscious patient, performed by tilting the head back while pressing down on the forehead and lifting the chin, which pulls the tongue clear of the airway. It is the standard first line airway opening technique taught in first aid courses for patients without a suspected cervical spine injury, one of the two main basic airway management techniques alongside the jaw-thrust maneuver. It should not be used if a cervical spine injury is suspected or the patient is immobilized on a spine board or in a cervical collar, in which case the jaw-thrust maneuver is used instead, and a patient at risk of aspiration should instead be placed in the recovery position or given advanced airway management.