Which technique is used to open the airway in an unresponsive patient?

The jaw thrust maneuver is the correct technique to open the airway in an unresponsive patient, particularly when there is a concern for a spinal injury. This technique involves placing your fingers behind the angle of the patient's jaw and using them to lift the jaw forward, while keeping the head and neck stable. It is essential in this situation because it minimizes movement of the cervical spine, reducing the risk of further injury if the patient has a spinal condition.

Using this technique allows for effective airway management by helping to prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway, which is a common issue in unresponsive individuals. It is particularly useful when the patient has a decreased level of consciousness and cannot maintain their own airway.

The other techniques mentioned are inappropriate for this context. The Heimlich maneuver is utilized for clearing an obstructed airway caused by choking but requires the patient to be responsive and able to cooperate. Logrolling is a method used for moving a patient while maintaining spinal alignment and is not specifically intended for airway management. Chest thrusts are also indicated for obstructed airways but apply to conscious patients or infants and again, are not aimed at unresponsive individuals.