Final answer:
To open the airway in a person with a suspected neck injury, prioritize their safety by minimizing movement of the head and neck. Encourage conscious individuals to cough forcefully, but avoid any maneuvers that may worsen the injury. If breathing becomes difficult or the person is unconscious, call for emergency medical assistance and provide basic first aid.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a person has a suspected neck injury and you need to open their airway, you should prioritize their safety by being cautious and minimizing movement of their head and neck. It is important to keep the person's neck immobilized to prevent any further damage.
If the person is conscious and able to cough, encourage them to cough forcefully as this may help remove any obstructions from the airway. However, avoid any hardback slaps or maneuvers like the Heimlich maneuver, as they can potentially worsen the neck injury.
If the person is not able to breathe or if their breathing becomes labored, you should call for emergency medical assistance immediately and provide basic first aid such as stopping any bleeding and making the person comfortable without moving their head or neck.