Final answer:
When no head or neck trauma is suspected, the Heimlich maneuver can be used for a conscious, choking person. For an unconscious individual, inflating the lungs with a device to induce airway pressure may be required. During general anesthesia, endotracheal intubation ensures an open airway.
Step-by-step explanation:
If no head or neck trauma is suspected in a patient, healthcare providers (HCPs) can use a technique known as the Heimlich maneuver to open the airway if the person is choking and conscious. For an unconscious person, a method to force air into the lungs, such as using a balloon connected to the subject to create a gauge pressure, could be utilized. In the case of general anesthesia, where the muscles required for breathing and moving the tongue may be relaxed, endotracheal intubation is often used to maintain an open airway. This involves placing a tube into the trachea, allowing the anesthesiologist to manage the airway during and after surgery. When the patient's respiratory muscles begin to function again, the tube is removed.