If a patient is suspected to have a head and/or spinal injury, what should you perform when checking their airway?

When checking the airway of a patient suspected of having a head and/or spinal injury, the jaw thrust maneuver is the appropriate technique to use. This method allows the airway to be opened without putting additional movement on the cervical spine, which is crucial in cases where a spinal injury is suspected. By using the jaw thrust, the rescuer can maintain spinal alignment while ensuring that the airway is clear, reducing the risk of exacerbating any potential injuries.

In contrast, the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver could unnecessarily flex the neck and potentially worsen a spinal injury. Placing the patient in a prone position is not recommended when assessing the airway, as it complicates the ability to effectively deliver rescue breaths or other interventions. Also, back blows are typically used for clearing an obstructed airway due to choking and are not appropriate for assessing airway patency in cases of head or spinal injury. Thus, the jaw thrust is the safest and most effective technique in this scenario.