What technique should be used to open an airway in a patient who is unconscious and not breathing?

Opening the airway in an unconscious and not breathing patient is crucial for ensuring that oxygen can reach the lungs. The correct technique in most cases is the chin lift and head tilt maneuver. This method is effective because it helps to reposition the tongue away from the back of the throat, which can obstruct the airway. By tilting the head back slightly and lifting the chin, you create a clear passage for air to enter the trachea.

The chin lift and head tilt is particularly appropriate for patients who do not have a suspected cervical spine injury, as it does not manipulate the neck excessively. It is a widely taught and recognized technique in basic life support for restoring airway patency in unresponsive patients.

Other techniques, such as jaw thrust, are also effective but are typically more appropriate when there is a concern for cervical spine injury. Back blows and chest thrusts are interventions used for clearing an airway obstruction from a responsive patient, particularly in cases of choking, rather than opening the airway in an unresponsive person.