Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
15 2
Open the airway
The airway is the tube through which air passes from the mouth and
nose to the lungs. If it is blocked the patient cannot breathe and air cannot get
into or out of the lungs. A patient who cannot breathe will die within four
minutes.
In an unconscious patient the tongue may block the throat and the airway.
Make sure the airway is open and air can get down the throat. (Fig.15-1).
Fig. 15-1 In an unconscious patient, the tongue may fall
back, blocking the throat and stopping breathing.
Place the patient on his or her back.
Tilt the head back and lift the chin up with the finger and thumb of one
hand on the bony part of the chin, while pressing the forehead back with the
other hand. This will open the airway and stop the tongue blocking the throat.
(Fig.15-2).
Fig. 15-2 Open up the airway by pressing the forehead back
and lifting the clin with the thumb and fingers.