What is the proper technique for opening a person's airway?

The proper technique for opening a person's airway is the head tilt chin lift. This method is widely recommended because it effectively opens the airway for individuals who are unresponsive and require rescue breathing or airway management. By tilting the head back and lifting the chin upward, the tongue is elevated from the back of the throat, reducing the risk of airway obstruction.

Using this technique is critical in emergency situations where maintaining an open airway can be life-saving. It is particularly effective when caring for a patient who has not sustained a spinal injury, allowing for a clear passage for air without adding pressure to the cervical spine.

Other options may have specific uses but do not represent the standard approach for general airway management. For instance, the chin lift alone does not guarantee an open airway, as it may not adequately reposition the head. The jaw thrust is useful, especially in cases of suspected spinal injury, but does not entail the same comprehensive technique as the head tilt chin lift. A neck roll is typically not utilized in basic airway management and can introduce additional complexity that is unnecessary for most emergency scenarios.