Final answer:
The jaw thrust maneuver should be used to open the airway when suspecting a cervical spine injury, as it maintains the alignment of the cervical spine while ensuring adequate airflow. This maneuver minimizes the risk of exacerbating the injury and can be performed even when a cervical collar or neck immobilization device is in place.
Step-by-step explanation:
When suspecting a cervical spine injury, it is crucial to open the airway in a manner that avoids movement of the head and neck. The maneuver that should be used to open the airway in such cases is called the jaw thrust maneuver. This technique involves gently lifting the jaw forward without tilting the head or neck, which helps to maintain the alignment of the cervical spine while ensuring adequate airway patency.
By using the jaw thrust maneuver, the risk of exacerbating a potential spinal cord injury is minimized, as it allows for the adjustment of the airway without compromising the stability of the cervical spine. Additionally, it provides an effective means of opening the airway even when an individual is wearing a cervical collar or neck immobilization device.