Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

What is the correct method for opening a child's airway during assessment?

1. Head tilt, chin lift

2. Jaw-thrust maneuver

3. Neck extension

4. Finger sweep

The correct answer is: Jaw-thrust maneuver

When assessing the airway of a child, the jaw-thrust maneuver is often the preferred method, especially in situations where there is a concern for potential spinal injury. This technique involves grasping the angles of the jaw and lifting them forward, which helps to open the airway without extending the neck. In children, this method is particularly effective because their airways are more pliable and can collapse more easily with improper opening techniques. Using a jaw-thrust maneuver minimizes any potential movement of the cervical spine, thereby decreasing the risk of exacerbating any spinal injury. This is crucial in emergency settings, as maintaining spinal stability can be vital for patient safety. Other methods such as head tilt-chin lift are more commonly used in adult patients unless there is a specific reason to avoid it in children. Neck extension, while effective in adults, poses risks for airway obstruction in pediatrics. A finger sweep is not a method for opening an airway; instead, it is used to remove visible obstructions from the airway. Therefore, the jaw-thrust maneuver remains the safest and most effective approach in child airway management.