Figure 2-5. Opening the patient's mouth.
(2) Use a scissor motion to pry the teeth apart and hold the mouth open. If
the patient's teeth are clenched, use the modified jaw thrust method to open the mouth.
In cases where neck or spinal injuries are present or suspected, use the jaw thrust
method of opening the airway to prevent further injury.
d. Insert the Oropharyngeal Airway. Remember, the oropharyngeal airway is
used for UNCONSCIOUS patients only. Do not try to insert the artificial airway in a
conscious or semi-conscious patient due to the patient's gag reflex. The presence of an
airway in such patients may induce vomiting and cause aspiration of the stomach
contents into the lungs.
(1)
Place the tip of the airway into the patient's mouth (figure 2-6).
(2) Point the tip of the airway toward the roof of the patient's mouth to
prevent the tongue from being pushed into the back of the throat.
(3) Slide the airway along the roof of the mouth, following the natural
curvature of the tongue, past the soft palate.
(4)
Rotate the airway 180 degrees as the tip reaches the back of the tongue
(figure 2-7).
MD0542
2-7