A 65-year-old male with a history of recent food intake requires rapid sequence intubation (RSI) for acute respiratory failure. Which maneuver is primarily employed to prevent gastric regurgitation and aspiration during the intubation attempt?

Explanation

Sellick's maneuver, or cricoid pressure, involves applying firm pressure to the cricoid cartilage to compress the esophagus against the cervical vertebrae. This maneuver is primarily used during rapid sequence intubation (RSI) to prevent passive regurgitation of gastric contents and subsequent aspiration in patients at high risk (e.g., recent food intake, trauma, pregnancy). Jaw thrust, head tilt-chin lift, and sniffing position are techniques to optimize airway patency and visualization, not primarily to prevent aspiration.