What simple airway management technique can be used for unconscious patients?

The head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is a fundamental airway management technique used for unconscious patients who may have airway obstruction due to their tongue or other factors. When a patient is unconscious, their muscle tone decreases, which may cause the tongue to fall back and obstruct the airway. By tilting the head back and lifting the chin, this technique effectively opens the airway, allowing for improved ventilation and oxygenation.

This method is particularly useful in situations where the patient is not suspected of having a spinal injury, as it can be performed quickly and efficiently. It is important to maintain a clear airway before performing more advanced interventions, making this simple yet vital technique a first step in airway management for unconscious individuals.

Other techniques listed may be appropriate in different circumstances but do not serve the same foundational purpose in establishing and maintaining a patent airway in unconscious patients, particularly in emergencies where rapid intervention is necessary.