Which technique is most effective for reopening the airway of a person with suspected spinal injuries?

The jaw-thrust maneuver is particularly effective for reopening the airway of someone with suspected spinal injuries because it minimizes movement of the spine and avoids further injury. This technique involves placing the fingers behind the angle of the jaw and pushing the jaw forward, thereby elevating the tongue and allowing for a clearer airway without flexing or extending the neck.

In contrast, the chin lift maneuver and head tilt-chin lift maneuver both involve neck movement, which can be dangerous in the presence of spinal injuries, as they might exacerbate any existing damage. These techniques may inadvertently put pressure on the cervical spine, leading to complications.

Bag-mask ventilation, while important in other scenarios of airway management, is more effective when the airway has been properly opened. Therefore, using the jaw-thrust maneuver first ensures that the airway is clear without compromising spinal integrity before applying additional techniques such as bag-mask ventilation.