Which maneuver is used to open the airway when a spinal injury is suspected?

When a spinal injury is suspected, the jaw-thrust maneuver is the appropriate technique to use for opening the airway. This method minimizes movement of the cervical spine, which is crucial in cases where spinal injuries are a concern, as excessive neck movement may exacerbate damage to the spinal cord.

The jaw-thrust maneuver involves placing the fingers behind the angle of the jaw, lifting the jaw upward while keeping the neck in a neutral position. This allows the airway to be opened without tilting the head back, thereby reducing the risk of further injury.

In contrast, the head-tilt, chin-lift and chin-lift maneuvers involve movements that could potentially compromise the spinal column by flexing or extending the neck. Therefore, these techniques are not appropriate when there is a suspicion of spinal injury. The modified jaw-thrust is a variation, but the standard jaw-thrust is the primary technique recommended in this scenario.