What is the proper technique for opening a person's airway in a non-cervical spine injury scenario?

In a non-cervical spine injury scenario, the proper technique for opening a person's airway is the head tilt chin lift maneuver. This technique is effective because it allows for the most optimal positioning of the airway without the risk of further injury to the neck, since there is no suspicion of a spinal injury.

When performing the head tilt chin lift, the rescuer places one hand on the person’s forehead, applying gentle pressure to tilt the head back. The other hand is then used to lift the chin forward. This action pulls the tongue away from the back of the throat, preventing airway obstruction and allowing for better airflow. It is a straightforward and efficient method, particularly in cases where respiratory distress is present.

Other techniques, such as the jaw thrust, are more appropriate when there is a possibility of cervical spine injury, as they minimize neck movement. The C Spine option refers to maintaining spinal alignment, which is important in injury scenarios, and the abdominal thrust is a maneuver used to relieve choking, not to open an airway. Thus, the head tilt chin lift is the most suitable and safest option in situations without cervical spine concerns.