What technique should you use to open the airway of an unresponsive patient?

The head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is widely recognized as an effective technique for opening the airway of an unresponsive patient. This method is particularly suitable when there is no suspicion of spinal injury, as it allows for the proper alignment of the airway, facilitating breathing and oxygenation.

By tilting the head back slightly while lifting the chin, the airway is opened and any obstructions caused by the tongue can be alleviated. This positioning helps to create a clear path for air to enter the lungs. Maintaining this posture is crucial, especially in emergency situations where timely intervention can significantly impact a patient’s outcome.

While the jaw-thrust maneuver is another valid technique, it is primarily used when there is concern for potential spinal injuries, as it minimizes movement of the cervical spine. The chin-lift maneuver can also be effective in isolation, but the head-tilt, chin-lift approach is more widely applicable in unresponsive adults without spinal concerns. Modified recovery positions also serve a different purpose by allowing a patient to maintain an open airway while resting, but they do not directly apply to the immediate task of opening an airway in an unresponsive person.