Which method is preferred for opening the airway of an unresponsive patient?

The head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver is preferred for opening the airway of an unresponsive patient because it effectively lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat, allowing for unobstructed airflow. This technique is straightforward to perform and enables the responder to maintain an open airway without needing complicated equipment. It is particularly effective in patients who do not have any potential spinal injuries, making it suitable for a wide range of unconscious patients.

In situations where spinal injury is suspected or when there is a need to minimize movement of the cervical spine, the jaw thrust maneuver would be more appropriate. However, the head-tilt, chin-lift is still more commonly recommended in most emergency situations unless contraindications are present.

The chin-lift only method might not be as effective without the head tilt since it does not address the potential obstruction caused by the tongue. Similarly, pinching the nose and tilting the head does not provide a reliable mechanism to clear the airway, as it focuses on the nasal passage rather than ensuring that the airway remains open. Thus, opting for the head-tilt with chin-lift is the most efficient approach to ensure that the airway remains clear in an unresponsive patient.