Assessor
PGY4+
Due
Week 7
Requirement
Mandatory
Details
Assess, open, maintain airway in unconscious patient
What Assessors Look For
•Recognition of airway compromise
•Head tilt-chin lift and jaw thrust
•Use of airway adjuncts (OPA, NPA)
•Suctioning technique
•Recovery position
Key Points to Demonstrate
1Look, listen, feel for breathing
2Head tilt-chin lift: lift chin with one hand, tilt forehead with other
3Jaw thrust (C-spine): fingers behind mandible angle, push forward
4OPA sizing: angle of mouth to tragus of ear
5NPA sizing: tip of nose to tragus, use if patient has gag reflex
6Suction: under direct vision, max 10 seconds
Tips for Success
- 💡Practice on manikins before real patients
- 💡Jaw thrust takes practice - get feedback
- 💡Know when to call for help (complete obstruction, won't maintain airway)