The cricoid pressure maneuver is abbreviated BURP. Which is the correct expansion of BURP?

• A. Backwards Upwards Rightward Pressure
• B. Backward Upward Leftward Pressure
• C. Bend Upwards Rightward Pressure
• D. Backwards Downward Rightward Pressure

Answer: (A)

The main idea is the acronym BURP used during airway management to optimize placement during intubation. BURP stands for Backwards Upwards Rightward Pressure applied to the cricoid cartilage. Each direction has a purpose: pressing backwards moves the cricoid cartilage against the spine to occlude the esophagus; pressing upwards helps lift and align the airway structures to improve the view of the vocal cords; pressing to the right shifts the structure to facilitate closure of the esophagus and minimize regurgitation toward the trachea. Together, this maneuver can improve laryngoscopic visibility and reduce the chance of gastric contents entering the airway during rapid sequence intubation. The other directional options don’t match the standard expansion, which is why this one is correct.