Fig. 1.

Reverse Trendelenburg position with use of head support to facilitate neck flexion and head extension at atlanto-occipital joint. The height of head support (i.e. number of blankets or uncompressible head rest) needed to achieve adequate neck flexion will vary from one patient to another depending on head and neck anatomy and relationship to chest diameter. A good approximation of optimal positioning for laryngoscopy is achieved when an imaginary line can be drawn from the sternal notch to the external auditory meatus. Note foot-board support to prevent the patient from sliding down.