Which technique is used for opening the airway of an unresponsive patient?

The head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is a widely recognized and effective technique used to open the airway in unresponsive patients, particularly in cases where there is no suspicion of spinal injury. By tilting the head backward and lifting the chin upwards, this maneuver helps to reposition the tongue away from the back of the throat, thereby clearing the airway and allowing for unobstructed breathing.

This technique is especially important because an unresponsive individual may lose muscle tone in the throat, leading to potential airway obstruction. The head-tilt, chin-lift is straightforward and can be performed quickly in emergency situations, making it a critical skill for first responders.

While other techniques like the jaw-thrust maneuver are alternatives that may be employed in specific circumstances, the head-tilt, chin-lift remains the preferred method for most scenarios involving unresponsive patients without suspected spinal injuries.