Triple Airway Manoeuvre (TAM) QAS

Purpose of the Triple Airway Manoeuvre

To maintain a patent upper airway by combining head tilt, jaw thrust, and mouth opening.

Actions of the Triple Airway Manoeuvre

Head tilt, jaw thrust, and open mouth.

Main indication for performing TAM

A patient who is unable to maintain airway patency.

Contraindications for TAM

Nil in this setting.

Precaution with potential c-spine injury

Perform jaw thrust and open mouth only (no head tilt).

Reason for avoiding head tilt in infants

Their trachea is soft and may collapse with excessive tilt; maintain neutral head position.

How to perform the jaw thrust

Fingers under the angle of the jaw lift the mandible upward and forward, displacing the tongue.

Purpose of the open mouth component

To visualise the oropharynx and facilitate suction or airway adjunct insertion.

Alternative form of basic airway management

Placing the patient in a lateral position.

Assistance for maintaining neutral airway position in infants

Padding under the shoulders.