Which maneuver is considered proper for assessing a patient's airway?

The head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is the primary technique for opening the airway in an unconscious patient without suspected spinal injuries. This method is effective because it pulls the tongue away from the back of the throat, allowing air to flow freely into the lungs. The jaw-thrust maneuver is specifically recommended when a spinal injury is suspected, as it minimizes movement of the cervical spine while still maintaining airway patency.

This distinction is crucial in emergency settings where both airway management and spinal protection are priorities. The combination of these two techniques ensures that the EMT can appropriately and effectively assess and secure the patient's airway in a variety of situations.