The jaw thrust CPR technique is a vital lifesaving procedure used in emergency situations when a person’s airway is obstructed, and they are unable to breathe. It is particularly crucial for individuals who have suffered a neck injury, as it allows for the maintenance of a patent airway without moving the neck. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of performing jaw thrust CPR.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand the basics of CPR and the importance of the jaw thrust maneuver. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a lifesaving technique that’s useful in many emergencies, including heart attacks or near drowning, in which someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The jaw thrust technique is a part of CPR that focuses on opening the airway to allow for breathing without tilting the head, which is especially important if a neck injury is suspected.
Step 1: Preparation and Positioning
- Check the scene for safety and ensure you are in a safe position to perform CPR.
- Call for emergency medical help immediately if you haven’t already.
- Position the person on their back on a firm, flat surface. If the person is face down, you’ll need to carefully roll them onto their back while keeping their neck as stable as possible.
- Kneel beside the person’s head, with your knees shoulder-width apart.
Step 2: Opening the Airway
- Place your fingers on the angles of the person’s lower jaw, not on the soft tissue under the chin.
- Gently lift the jaw upwards and outwards. This motion should help open the person’s airway. Be careful not to press on the soft tissue under the chin, as this can obstruct the airway further.
- Keep the jaw lifted to maintain the open airway. This is crucial for ensuring that the person can breathe if they start breathing on their own or for providing an open pathway for rescue breaths.
Step 3: Checking for Breathing and Giving Rescue Breaths
- Check for breathing by listening for breath sounds and feeling for air on your cheek. If the person is not breathing, you will need to give rescue breaths.
- Pinch the person’s nose shut and give one breath through their mouth. The breath should last about one second and make the person’s chest rise.
- Give a second breath after the first breath, following the same procedure.
- If the person starts showing signs of regaining consciousness (like opening their eyes, responding to verbal commands, etc.), stop CPR, including chest compressions if you’ve started them.
Step 4: Combining with Chest Compressions
- The jaw thrust maneuver is often used in conjunction with chest compressions in a CPR cycle. For adults, the typical ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths, but remember to adjust the technique according to the person’s age and condition.
- Start chest compressions by placing the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, on the lower half of the breastbone. Place your other hand on top of the first hand, with your fingers interlaced.
- Push down on the chest to a depth of about 2 inches, then release the pressure, allowing the chest to return to its normal position. Do this 30 times at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- After 30 compressions, give two breaths using the jaw thrust technique to open the airway, as described in the steps above.
Step 5: Continuing CPR and Seeking Medical Help
- Continue the cycle of compressions and breaths until emergency medical help arrives, the person starts showing signs of regaining consciousness, such as coughing, opening their eyes, or responding to verbal commands, or you are physically unable to continue.
- If another person is available, take turns performing CPR to avoid fatigue.
Important Considerations
- Training is crucial. While this guide provides a step-by-step approach to performing jaw thrust CPR, it’s highly recommended to take a CPR training course to learn and practice the technique correctly.
- Use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). If an AED is available, it can be used in conjunction with CPR. Follow the device’s instructions for use.
- Neck Injury Consideration. If a neck injury is suspected, do not tilt the head back to open the airway. Instead, use the jaw thrust maneuver to open the airway without moving the head.
Remember, CPR should only be performed by someone who is trained in the proper technique. If you’re not certified in CPR, you can still help by calling emergency services and following any instructions provided by the emergency operator until help arrives.
