What technique should be used when opening the airway of an unconscious victim?

The technique of head tilt and chin lift is the most appropriate method for opening the airway of an unconscious victim who is not suspected of having a spinal injury. This maneuver is effective because it helps to lift the tongue off the back of the throat, which can obstruct the airway due to gravity. When the head is tilted back and the chin is lifted, the airway is more effectively opened, allowing for better airflow and making it easier to provide rescue breaths if necessary.

The use of this technique is important in emergency situations as it allows a rescuer to assess and maintain an open airway, which is crucial for survival. In cases where a spinal injury is suspected, the jaw thrust maneuver would be preferred instead because it minimizes movement of the cervical spine, but in general scenarios, the head tilt and chin lift is the standard practice. Other options like the modified recovery position and checking for a pulse, while relevant in various contexts, do not directly address the immediate need to open and secure the airway of an unconscious victim.