Jaw thrust Health Dictionary

Jaw Thrust: From 1 Different Sources


a manoeuvre for opening the airway of an unconscious patient. The flats of the hands are placed on the cheeks with the fingers hooked under the angles of the jaw so that the jaw can be pulled upwards to separate the tongue from the back of the pharynx. The tongue often falls onto the back of the pharynx in unconsciousness, causing obstruction to the airway. This method is particularly useful when spinal injury is suspected and movement of the neck is undesirable. This is an alternative to the *head tilt, chin lift manoeuvre.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Abdominal Thrust

A first-aid treatment for choking, in which sharp upward pressure is applied to the upper abdomen to dislodge a foreign body obstructing the airway. The technique is also known as the Heimlich manoeuvre.... abdominal thrust

Chest Thrust

A first aid technique to unblock the airway in cases of choking. when abdominal thrusts would be dangerous (such as in infants) or impossible (such as in pregnant women). In a chest thrust, the first-aider places a fist in the other hand, and, pressing against the victim’s lower breastbone, thrusts the chest wall inwards up to 5 times. The pressure simulates the coughing reflex and may expel the obstruction.

chest X-ray One of the most frequently performed medical tests, usually carried out to examine the heart or lungs to confirm diagnoses of heart disorders and lung diseases. (See also X-rays.)... chest thrust

Abdominal Thrusts

(Heimlich manoeuvre) a manoeuvre for the treatment of choking in which the patient is held firmly around the midriff just under the ribcage. The hands of the rescuer are held as a fist and short sharp thrusts into the patient’s upper abdomen are made in order to dislodge the obstructing article from the airway. This manoeuvre should not be performed on children under the age of one year.... abdominal thrusts



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