What is the purpose of the head tilt-chin lift maneuver during CPR?

The head tilt-chin lift maneuver is essential during CPR because its primary purpose is to open the airway of an unconscious patient. When an individual is unresponsive, the muscles in the throat can relax, potentially leading to airway obstruction from the tongue or other structures. By positioning the head properly with a tilt backward and lifting the chin upwards, this technique helps to align the airway structures, ensuring that air can flow freely into the lungs during rescue breaths.

It's a critical component of providing effective ventilation, as an unobstructed airway is necessary for delivering oxygen. This maneuver is often one of the first steps taken in advanced life support protocols and is vital for ensuring that subsequent steps, like rescue breaths and chest compressions, are performed more effectively.