What is the immediate intervention for an obstructed airway?

What is the immediate intervention for an obstructed airway?

• A. Open airway (head tilt/jaw lift or modified jaw thrust)
• B. Insert airway (oral or nasal)
• C. Suction
• D. Defibrillation

Answer: (A)

Opening the airway is the first and most essential step when the airway is obstructed because air cannot move into the lungs until a clear path is created. The head tilt and chin lift (or a modified jaw thrust if cervical spine injury is suspected) mechanically lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat and aligns the airway so air can flow. This quick, noninvasive maneuver buys you time to assess ventilation and consider further steps if needed. Suction or inserting an airway are appropriate only after establishing an open airway or if there is ongoing obstruction or secretions; defibrillation has no role in relieving an airway obstruction.

Opening the airway is the first and most essential step when the airway is obstructed because air cannot move into the lungs until a clear path is created. The head tilt and chin lift (or a modified jaw thrust if cervical spine injury is suspected) mechanically lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat and aligns the airway so air can flow. This quick, noninvasive maneuver buys you time to assess ventilation and consider further steps if needed. Suction or inserting an airway are appropriate only after establishing an open airway or if there is ongoing obstruction or secretions; defibrillation has no role in relieving an airway obstruction.