Final answer:
To open the airway of a patient with a suspected neck injury after a failed jaw thrust, a modified jaw thrust or chin lift can be tried with extreme caution, and endotracheal intubation may be required. In cases of choking, the Heimlich maneuver or back slaps are appropriate depending on the age of the patient. Professional medical assistance should be called if the airway cannot be cleared.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the jaw thrust maneuver is not effective in a patient with a suspected neck injury, and you need to open the airway, you should proceed with caution to avoid any potential spinal damage. In such scenarios, the modified jaw thrust can be attempted without extending the neck, or you can use a chin lift technique if there are no indications of a neck injury. However, if neck injury is a concern and airway obstruction persists, endotracheal intubation may be required to secure the airway. It's important to summon professional emergency medical help immediately if there's any difficulty in managing the airway. Endotracheal intubation involves placing a tube into the trachea to maintain an open airway and is commonly used during surgical procedures under general anesthesia where muscle relaxation might cause a blockage of the airway.
In an emergency where choking is the cause of airway obstruction, such as with an aspirated object, measures like the Heimlich maneuver can be used in conscious patients to dislodge the object. For infants, the procedure involves turning the baby upside down and giving back slaps. Older children and adults should be encouraged to cough and can receive back slaps before proceeding to the Heimlich maneuver if necessary. Immediate medical attention should be sought if these methods do not clear the obstruction.