Another technique for opening the airway is the jaw thrust. This technique is accomplished by kneeling by the top of the victim's head and placing your fingers behind the angles of the lower jaw, or hooking your fingers under the jaw, then bringing the jaw forward. Separate the lips with your thumbs to allow breathing through the mouth as well as the nose, as shown in figure 10-4. This technique should be used when a neck injury is suspected. Note that the head is not tilted. Each of these techniques offer some relief for most forms of airway obstruction. They also prepare the way for artificial ventilation.

After having opened the airway, check the mouth for mucus, food particles, foreign objects, or loose dentures. When present, open the victim's mouth and

Figure 10-5.-Position for standing abdominal thrust.

clear away the matter by inserting a finger into the mouth and gently sweeping from the inside of one cheek to the other. Be careful not to force the material into the victim's throat. Next, reposition the victim's head, ensuring an open airway, and place your ear next to the victim's nose and mouth. While in this position, listen and feel for air exchange, and look at the victim's chest and abdomen for movement.

If the airway is still obstructed, it may be necessary to try to remove the obstruction by using the abdominal thrust or chest thrust methods.