I just completed my CPR certification this past weekend. I have to renew it every year for one of my professional designations, and I believe everyone should do the same—regardless of their occupation. I once had to perform first aid on a baby, and I’m grateful I knew what to do.
One of the key lessons in CPR is checking the airway of an unconscious casualty. To ensure it’s open, you use the head-tilt/chin-lift method—tilting the head back and lifting the chin. This movement shifts the tongue away from the back of the throat, allowing air to reach the lungs. Essentially, it opens the trachea (windpipe) and closes the esophagus (food pipe).
However, when swallowing a large pill, you actually want to do the opposite! This is known as the “lean-forward” technique.
How to Use the Lean-Forward Technique
- Place the pill on your tongue.
- Take a medium sip of water, but do not swallow yet.
- Tilt your chin toward your chest, looking downward.
- Swallow the pill and water while keeping your head bent forward.
A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that this technique greatly improves the ease of swallowing large capsules for most individuals. According to the researchers:
The lean-forward technique is remarkably effective even in patients experiencing the severest difficulties when swallowing capsules. It is also appropriate for patients with dysphagia and should therefore generally be recommended when swallowing capsules.
So, next time someone complains that the 1,000 mg fish oil capsule you recommended is too big to swallow, suggest the lean-forward technique—it just might make all the difference!
