During triage, when should the "head-tilt chin-lift" maneuver be used?

The "head-tilt chin-lift" maneuver is specifically employed to assess airway patency, particularly in unconscious individuals. This technique helps to lift the tongue away from the posterior pharynx, thereby opening the airway and allowing for effective ventilation. In the context of triage and emergency care, ensuring that a patient's airway is clear is crucial, especially for those who are unconscious and unable to maintain their own airway.

In contrast, using this maneuver for a person who has a pulse and is undergoing CPR is inappropriate, as CPR protocols dictate specific positions without this adjustment. For patients with an obvious airway obstruction, other maneuvers, such as the Heimlich maneuver or suction, would be more appropriate to clear the obstruction. Lastly, when checking vital signs on a conscious patient, it is generally unnecessary to manipulate the airway with this technique, as they can maintain their own airway and may be responsive. Thus, the head-tilt chin-lift is focused on unconscious patients precisely because they lack the ability to protect their airway themselves.