In cases of suspected spinal injury, what is the recommended method for airway management?

In cases of suspected spinal injury, the jaw-thrust maneuver is the recommended method for airway management. This technique is specifically designed to maintain the airway while minimizing movement of the cervical spine, which is crucial in preventing further injury. The jaw-thrust maneuver involves using the fingers to elevate the jaw without moving the head or neck, allowing for open air passage. This is particularly important when spinal injury is suspected because any movement of the spine can exacerbate the injury or lead to additional complications.

Other methods of airway management, such as the head-tilt, chin-lift method, involve flexing the neck, which can be dangerous in the context of a spinal injury. Similarly, while suction devices are important for clearing the airway, their use does not address the fundamental need to maintain an open airway without risking further spinal damage, nor do they provide a proactive way to manage the airway in a patient with potential spinal compromise. The instruction to breathe deeply and cough is not an appropriate airway management technique in this context and could lead to the risk of airway obstruction or injury.