How should you establish a patent airway for an unresponsive man found at the base of a ladder?

The correct approach to establish a patent airway for an unresponsive individual involves using a technique that ensures the airway remains open and clear from any obstruction. Lifting the angles of the lower jaw, also known as the jaw-thrust maneuver, is an effective method for opening the airway without causing potential spinal injury, particularly if there is a concern for a cervical spine injury due to the mechanism of the fall.

In unresponsive patients, relaxing of the tongue and surrounding tissues can lead to airway obstruction. The jaw-thrust maneuver elevates the lower jaw while preventing the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway. This technique is critical in emergency settings where swift action is necessary to secure air passage and facilitate effective ventilation.

The other methods, while relevant in some situations, do not prioritize the immediate opening of the airway with minimal risk of further injury to the cervical spine. For instance, positioning the person on their side can help drain secretions but may not directly address the airway obstruction. Inserting an oropharyngeal airway and suctioning the oropharynx are further steps that might be performed later but require that the initial obstruction be managed effectively first.