Jaw-Thrust Maneuver is an airway maneuver for which scenario?

• A. Airway maneuver for non-trauma
• B. Airway obstruction
• C. Removal of fluids from airway
• D. Airway maneuver for trauma

Answer: (D)

Jaw-thrust is used when trauma or a possible cervical spine injury is present. It opens the airway by lifting the mandible forward rather than extending the neck, which preserves spinal alignment while ensuring the airway remains clear. This makes it the preferred maneuver in trauma scenarios where protecting the spine is a priority. In non-traumatic cases, the head-tilt/chin-lift is typically used because it’s easier to perform when there’s no concern about neck injury. It’s not the method for removing fluids from the airway—suctioning handles that—and while it can aid in airway opening for obstruction, its defining use in trauma is to minimize neck movement while maintaining an open airway.