Final answer:
The jaw thrust method should be used to open the airway in the case of a neck injury, as it involves minimal movement of the cervical spine, reducing the risk of further injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct method to open the airway in a person with a suspected neck injury is the jaw thrust technique. This method is used instead of the head-tilt/chin-lift or chin-lift alone because it minimizes movement of the cervical spine, which is crucial in suspected neck injuries. The goal of the jaw thrust is to open the airway without extending or flexing the neck, thereby reducing the risk of exacerbating a spinal injury.To perform the jaw thrust, a rescuer places their fingers behind the angle of the lower jaw and lifts with both hands, displacing the jaw forward. Unlike the head-tilt/chin-lift, the rescuer does not tilt or rotate the patient's head. It is essential to maintain in-line stabilization of the head and neck while performing the jaw thrust in cases of neck injury.