New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

Which maneuver is recommended to open a patient's airway when a spinal injury is suspected?

1. Jaw-thrust

2. Tongue-jaw lift

3. Head tilt-neck lift

4. Head tilt-chin lift

The correct answer is: Jaw-thrust

The jaw-thrust maneuver is the recommended technique for opening a patient's airway when a spinal injury is suspected because it minimizes movement of the cervical spine, which could exacerbate any potential injury. In patients with suspected spinal injuries, it is crucial to avoid any extension or flexion of the neck, as these movements can worsen the situation and lead to further damage. This maneuver involves placing the fingers behind the angles of the patient's jaw and using them to lift the jaw upward, thereby displacing the tongue and opening the airway without moving the neck. This is particularly important in maintaining spinal alignment and protecting the integrity of the spinal cord during emergency care. In contrast, the other options involve techniques that may involve movement or flexion of the neck, making them less suitable when spinal injury is a concern. The tongue-jaw lift and head-tilt neck lift can introduce the risk of spinal motion. The head-tilt chin-lift is also contraindicated in situations with suspected spinal injury due to the risk of neck extension. Thus, using the jaw-thrust maneuver is the safest approach for managing the airway under these circumstances.