You are using a resuscitation mask to give ventilations to a child. After you position and seal the mask, which of the following should you do next?
Tilt the victim’s head back to open the airway.
Blow into the mask.
Place the victim’s head in a neutral position to maintain an open airway.
Place the victim in a recovery position.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: Tilt the victim’s head back to open the airway.
Explanation:
When giving ventilations to a child using a resuscitation mask, it’s crucial to ensure the victim’s airway is open so that air can flow into the lungs effectively. To achieve this, you must first open the airway before providing breaths. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of why tilting the head back to open the airway is the proper next step:
- Positioning the Mask: You should first ensure the mask is placed properly over the child’s nose and mouth. A good seal is essential to ensure the ventilations are effective. The mask should be applied while you are in a position that allows you to control the mask without applying excessive pressure on the child’s face.
- Head Tilt to Open Airway: To facilitate effective ventilation, you must open the airway by tilting the child’s head back. This is done by placing one hand on the child’s forehead and gently tilting the head backward, while using your other hand to lift the chin. This maneuver helps to move the tongue away from the back of the throat, which can obstruct the airway. It is particularly important for unresponsive individuals because the airway can easily become blocked by the tongue.
- Avoiding Overextension: It’s important not to hyperextend the child’s neck, as this can also lead to airway obstruction. Therefore, a neutral head position is not always sufficient for ventilation unless the child is in a position where the airway is already open (such as when they are laying flat on their back). The head tilt should be done cautiously and in a way that avoids further injury, especially for children with suspected neck or spine injuries.
- Ventilating the Child: Once the airway is open, you can proceed to give ventilations by blowing into the mask. The proper technique involves giving slow, steady breaths, watching for chest rise with each ventilation to ensure air is entering the lungs.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Blow into the mask: While you may need to blow into the mask to provide ventilations, you first need to open the airway by tilting the head back before attempting to ventilate.
- Place the victim’s head in a neutral position: This is more relevant when the airway is already clear and there’s no need for head tilt to open it. In the absence of signs of trauma, the head tilt is required.
- Place the victim in a recovery position: The recovery position is used when the victim is breathing on their own but unresponsive. However, for ventilation, the child should remain on their back, and you should focus on opening the airway.
By tilting the victim’s head back, you create a clear pathway for the air to enter the lungs, which is critical for effective resuscitation.