What is an effective way to maintain an airway in an unconscious casualty?

Using a head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver is considered an effective way to maintain an airway in an unconscious casualty because it opens the airway by properly aligning the airway structures. When a person is unconscious, the muscle tone of the tongue and soft tissues can relax and obstruct the airway. The head-tilt/chin-lift technique involves tilting the head backward while lifting the chin up, which helps to clear any obstruction in the throat created by the tongue falling backward. This maneuver is quick, requires no special equipment, and is a foundational skill taught in basic life support training.

While other options, such as inserting an endotracheal tube or applying a nasopharyngeal airway, are also methods used to secure an airway, they typically require more advanced training and equipment. The recovery position can help maintain an open airway but may not be suitable for all unconscious casualties, especially those with suspected spinal injuries. Therefore, the head-tilt/chin-lift is the most immediate and practical method for ensuring the airway remains open in many emergency situations.