In what position should the airway be held for effective breaths during CPR?

For effective breaths during CPR, the airway should be held in a past-neutral position. This means that the head is tilted back slightly beyond the neutral position to help open the airway more effectively. The reason for this specific positioning is that it helps prevent the tongue from blocking the airway, allowing for better ventilation and oxygen delivery when giving rescue breaths.

In a neutral position, the airway may not be fully open, which can hinder the flow of air into the lungs. A downward position could further obstruct the airway and is not conducive to effective breathing efforts. An upright position is also inappropriate as it does not facilitate the passage of air into the lungs during CPR. Therefore, the past-neutral position is the optimal choice for ensuring that the airway remains open and accessible during lifesaving breaths.