After assessing and appropriately treating any airway compromise, positioning the casualty properly will help maintain a patent airway.

Conscious casualties with maxillofacial trauma should not be forced into the supine position if they are able to breathe more comfortably in the sitting position. If they are able to tolerate the supine position, this will aid in the remainder of the assessment, but if placing supine causes increased distress, minimize the time spent in that position when clinically and tactically feasible.