Jaw thrust is not recommended for lay rescuers because it is difficult to learn and retain this knowledge(especially without a suitable manakin) and the actual attempt can still cause spinal movement equal to head tilt and chin lift. But It is still in the book for more advanced training or if a particular company wishes to retain it.

Posted by nbcdef

Victims choke to death on vomit. Leave them on their back and let them choke to death or use the recovery position and maintain the spine in line if pos, you choose.

I teach put an uncon victim onto their side if you have to leave them or the breathing is noisy or bubbly etc.


Posted by mediaid

Was surprised to read the following in the guide to new first aid protocols i.e.
Are you Ready ? VAS booklet-
The jaw thrust is not to be used during resuscitation.

The only time this procedure is recommended is when dealing with a spinal injury ?

Surely this is in contradiction to the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines i.e
Opening the airway
The jaw thrust is not recommended for lay rescuers
because it is difficult to learn and perform
and may itself cause spinal movement. Therefore,
the lay rescuer should open the airway using a head tilt-chin lift manoeuvre for both injured and noninjured victims.

P.S When the 8th edition VAS manual was first issued they distributed an excellent video that included dealing with a suspected spinal injury using 1,2,3,5 people to place casualty into recovery position if required.
regards zac

Posted by Zac

When 8th edition was first released there were multiple corrections/updates/reprints with revisions over the first year or so, I was rather hoping we weren't going to see the same thing again but maybe we are...!

However, which VAS publication have you found this in? It may be an old one (remember they are not using new resus protocols 'til July), or it may be that if it is a publication for members only then they have taken the view that jaw thrust is a technique which they are going to teach as semi-professionals (remember that a sizeable majority of the VAS have qualifications above and beyond FAW, and are likely to be using their skills on a regular basis).

Also remember that the RCUK make recommendations only on resuscitation (and related issues such as anaphylaxis and choking), they do not dictate policy on first aid. Whilst they are at liberty to say that lay persons should not attempt a jaw thrust during resuscitation (incidentally, were they ever taught this?), it is for the VAS themselves to decide on policy for other areas of first aid.

Posted by john24601

John24601 This is in a new 2006 leaflet that was sent to me as a life member of PoFAS, Special Centre St John Ambulance. The leaflet explains the rationale behind the changes and demonstrates the new practices and protocols.
FOREWORD
In November 2005 the UK Resuscitation Council published its revised guidelines on resuscitation. The changes are based on the European Resuscitation Council guidelines.

Representatives of the three Voluntary Aid Societies, St. John Ambulance, St. Andrew’s Ambulance Association and British Red Cross, met to discuss how these new guidelines would affect the 8th edition First Aid Manual. The Societies, all leading First Aid providers in the UK, endeavour to ensure that the First Aid Manual reflects the relevant guidance from informed authoritative sources which is current at the time of publication. A decision was made to update the manual to incorporate the new guidelines.

You ask if the jaw thrust was ever taught for resuscitation. May I respectfully refer you to VAS manual p167 Spinal Injury (unconscious casualty)
Among the Aims is - To maintain airway, to resuscitate the casualty if necessary

Step 2 gives details of how to apply a jaw thrust, taking care not to tilt the casualty’s neck
Step 4 If not breathing and no signs of circulation give rescue breaths and chest compressions


European Resuscitation Council Guidelines
Opening the airway- The jaw thrust is not recommended for lay rescuers
because it is difficult to learn and perform
and may itself cause spinal movement. Therefore,
the lay rescuer should open the airway using a head tilt-chin lift manoeuvre for both injured and noninjured victims.

I have asked the person who sent me the leaflet to raise the issue with St John NHQ training dept. as to why the difference.

Nice to see a sensible discussion with respect shown to all.

Regards Zac


Posted by Zac

I have to agree with John 24601 on this one. 

Page 167 in the VAS 8th edition clearly states in section 4 (see LIFE-SAVING PROCEDURES, pp.71-102), which demonstrates the head tilt ,chin lift .

Surely if a casualty is unconscious they are immediate danger of aspiration of stomach contents, so therefore should be place in the recovery position immediately, as long as they are breathing.








derek2007-04-01 18:04:28