FISDAP Paramedic Airway and Breathing V2 Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver is a highly effective technique used to open the airway of an unconscious patient. This method involves tilting the head back slightly while lifting the chin upward, which helps to move the tongue away from the back of the throat. This is especially important in unconscious patients, as they may have relaxed airway muscles, increasing the risk of airway obstruction due to the tongue falling back. By creating a clearer path for airflow, this maneuver allows for more effective ventilation and reduces the chance of complications during resuscitation efforts.

The jaw-thrust maneuver is another option used to open the airway, particularly in cases where there is a suspected spinal injury, as it minimizes movement of the cervical spine. While it is an important technique, the head-tilt-chin-lift is generally more commonly used in a variety of unconscious situations.

The Heimlich maneuver is specifically designed to relieve choking in conscious patients and is not used for airway management in unconscious individuals. It focuses on expelling foreign objects obstructing the airway but does not create an open airway on its own.

The nasopharyngeal maneuver involves the insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway, which can help maintain an open airway but is not a physical maneuver