What technique is used to open an airway in an unresponsive patient?

The head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is a widely accepted technique for opening the airway in an unresponsive patient, particularly in situations where the patient is breathing but unresponsive. This method is effective because it helps to lift the tongue off the back of the throat, which can obstruct airflow, especially in unresponsive individuals who cannot maintain their own airway.

In this technique, the provider places one hand on the patient's forehead and applies gentle pressure backward while using the other hand to lift the chin upward. This creates a straight line from the mouth to the throat, facilitating the passage of air.

While other techniques exist, the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is often the first choice for unresponsive patients in many first responder and emergency medical training programs because of its simplicity and effectiveness in clearing potential airway obstructions caused by the tongue or other soft tissues.