“A” is for AIRWAY

If the victim is unconscious and is unresponsive, you need to make sure that his airway is clear of obstructions. The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious person and it may be necessary to perform a finger sweep to move the tongue or any other foreign object away from the air passage. With the victim lying flat on his back, firmly hold his chin with one hand while using the finger of your other hand in a sweeping motion as you sweep it out of the airway. Once the airway is unblocked, place your hand on victim’s forehead and your other hand under the tip of the chin and gently tilt his head backward. In this position (head tilt/chin lift) the weight of the tongue will force it to shift away from the back of the throat, unblocking the airway. If the victim is still not breathing on his own after the airway has been cleared, you will have to assist him breathing.