How should the airway be assessed in a casualty?

The correct method for assessing the airway in a casualty involves positioning the head properly and checking for obstructions. This approach is critical as it allows for proper alignment of the airway, ensuring that the airway is open and free from blockages caused by the tongue, vomit, blood, or any other foreign materials. By tilting the head back and lifting the chin (often referred to as the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), a medic can facilitate unobstructed airflow into the lungs, which is essential for effective oxygenation.

Visual inspection from a distance does not provide the medic with sufficient detail to ascertain whether the airway is clear, as it does not allow for assessment of internal conditions. Feeling for foreign objects may not be safe or appropriate unless there is visible obstruction, and it also risks pushing a blockage further into the airway. Shouting to see if the casualty responds does not evaluate whether the airway is functioning but rather assesses responsiveness without ensuring that the casualty can breathe adequately.

In summary, properly positioning the head and systematically checking for obstructions is the most reliable and effective means of assessing a casualty's airway, aligning with best practices in Tactical Combat Casualty Care.