Which method should you use to open airways if a head or neck injury is suspected?

When a head or neck injury is suspected, the jaw thrust method is the recommended technique to open the airway. This method minimizes movement of the head and neck, which is crucial in cases where there could be a spinal injury. By using the jaw thrust maneuver, you're able to lift the jaw forward while keeping the neck in a neutral position, thus reducing the risk of causing further injury to the spine.

Using the head tilt method or chin lift could potentially exacerbate a spinal injury due to the extension of the neck involved in those techniques. The modified Heimlich maneuver is not applicable for airway management in cases of suspected neck or head injuries, as it is designed for different emergency situations, primarily for helping someone choking. Therefore, the jaw thrust is the safest and most effective way to ensure an open airway while protecting the integrity of the spine.