When using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique for giving breaths to an adult, what position should the airway be in?

The head-tilt/chin-lift technique is designed to open the airway for effective ventilation during CPR. When administering breaths to an adult, the ideal position for the airway is indeed in a past-neutral position. This involves tilting the head slightly beyond the neutral alignment to lift the chin upwards while simultaneously pushing down on the forehead. This maneuver helps to pull the tongue away from the back of the throat, which can block airflow. By achieving this past-neutral position, it maximizes airway patency, reducing the likelihood of airway obstruction and allowing for more effective breaths to be delivered. The importance of this positioning cannot be overstated as it directly influences the efficacy of rescue breaths.