Which technique is used to open the airway in an unconscious patient?

The technique used to open the airway in an unconscious patient is the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. This method is widely taught because it effectively displaces the tongue forward and clears the airway, especially in patients who are unconscious and unable to maintain their own airway.

When an individual is unconscious, the muscles of the throat may relax to the point that the tongue falls backward, obstructing the airway. By tilting the head back slightly and lifting the chin upward, you create a more open airway by allowing the tongue to shift out of the way. This technique is simple, can be performed quickly, and is very effective in the field.

Other methods may be appropriate in certain scenarios, but the head-tilt, chin-lift is generally the first approach used in standard emergency practice for airway management. It is especially recommended when there are no concerns for spinal injury, allowing rapid intervention to ensure oxygen can reach the lungs and brain.