What is the first step in establishing a patient's airway?

Establishing a patient's airway is critical in emergency situations, and the initial step in this process is positioning the patient's head properly. This action is crucial because the anatomical alignment of the airway can significantly impact breathing. By tilting the head back and lifting the chin, you can help to straighten the airway, reducing the likelihood of obstruction by the tongue or other tissues.

This technique is known as the "head-tilt, chin-lift" maneuver and is effective in many situations where a patient is unresponsive or unable to maintain their airway. Ensuring that the airway is aligned properly allows for improved air passage, which is vital when assessing for breathing or preparing for further airway interventions if needed.

Once the airway is positioned correctly, you can then proceed to assess breathing or consider inserting an airway device if necessary. Other actions, such as performing the Heimlich maneuver, are not appropriate in this context, as they are meant to address choking and would not be the first step in establishing an airway.