Luftvägsmanöver

Luftvägsmanöver refers to a technique used in emergency medicine and first aid to open a person's airway when it is blocked. This blockage can prevent a person from breathing, which is a life-threatening situation. The primary goal of a luftvägsmanöver is to move the tongue away from the back of the throat, which is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious individual.

There are two main types of luftvägsmanöver commonly taught: the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver and the jaw-thrust maneuver. The head-tilt/chin-lift is performed by placing one hand on the person's forehead and gently tilting the head back, while the fingers of the other hand are placed under the bony part of the chin to lift it forward. This action pulls the tongue away from the pharynx.

The jaw-thrust maneuver is typically used when a spinal injury is suspected, as it aims to open the airway with minimal movement of the head and neck. It involves placing fingers behind the angles of the jaw and pushing the jaw forward, lifting it upward. This technique requires practice and is often performed by trained medical professionals.

The effectiveness of a luftvägsmanöver is crucial for performing artificial respiration, such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, as it ensures that air can reach the lungs. If a person is conscious and breathing, a luftvägsmanöver is usually not necessary unless there are signs of obstruction like noisy breathing or inability to speak. In cases of severe airway obstruction with no breathing, immediate intervention is vital.