Which maneuver involves applying pressure to the cricoid cartilage during airway management?

• A. Sellick maneuver
• B. Jaw thrust
• C. Cricoid release
• D. Heimlich

Answer: (A)

The maneuver being described is cricoid pressure, also known as the Sellick maneuver. It involves applying backward pressure on the cricoid cartilage with the aim of compressing the esophagus against the vertebral bodies to help prevent regurgitation and aspiration during airway management, especially during induction or rapid sequence intubation. This is why it’s the best answer: it directly references pressing on the cricoid cartilage to protect the airway.

The other options don’t involve the cricoid cartilage. A jaw thrust is used to open the airway by lifting the jaw, not by pressing on the cricoid. A cricoid release would mean removing any cricoid pressure. The Heimlich maneuver is used to relieve an airway obstruction with abdominal thrusts, not to manage airway protection during intubation.