a. Assess for unobstructed airway.
b. If there is a traumatic airway obstruction or impending traumatic obstruction, prepare for possible direct airway intervention.
c. Allow a conscious casualty to assume any position that best protects the airway, to include sitting up and/or leaning forward.
d. Place unconscious casualty in the recovery position, head tilted back; chin away from chest.
e. Use suction if available and appropriate.
f. If the previous measures are unsuccessful, and the casualty’s airway obstruction (e.g. facial fractures, direct airway injury, blood, deformation or burns) is unmanageable, perform a surgical cricothyroidotomy using one of the following:
g. Frequently reassess SpO2, EtCO2, and airway patency as airway status may change over time.
h. Cervical spine stabilization is not necessary for casualties who have sustained only penetrating trauma.