Susan, I agree with your comment on the Yuck factor of safety pinning a tongue, but I've read it in some Wilderness medicine books in the past. My bet is a clothespin wouldn't hold. Perhaps some other type of clamp.
One of my trauma surgeon friends said that if it's so much of a problem in the field, just SUTURE it to the lower lip. But I don't carry sutures.....

Hi Susan,

While it sounds gross, it is an effective technique and is taught in a number of wilderness EMS programs. Maintaining a patent airway is effectively accomplished without actually having a medical airway device. As to the blood issue, think of it this way, thousands of people have tongue and lip piercings, bleeding is rarely a problem.

Pete

To close the fly of your pants if the zipper breaks. I have done that!!!