What is the best method to open the airway of a 4-year-old who is unconscious after falling from a bicycle?

The modified jaw-thrust maneuver is the best method for opening the airway of a 4-year-old who is unconscious, especially after an accident such as a bicycle fall. This technique is particularly important in cases where there is a potential spinal injury, as in a fall, because it minimizes the risk of further injury to the cervical spine. By displacing the jaw forward and upward without tilting the head backward, the modified jaw-thrust allows for adequate airway patency while maintaining spinal alignment.

In young children, the anatomy of the airway is different from that of adults. Their airway is more easily obstructed due to the larger size of the tongue relative to the airway and the more flexible structure of their trachea. The modified jaw-thrust specifically addresses these anatomical considerations by avoiding excessive neck movement, which could exacerbate any existing injuries while ensuring the airway remains open for ventilation.

Other techniques, such as head tilt, neck flexion, or neck lift, may not be as safe in this situation. The head tilt can lead to neck extension, which is not advisable when there’s a risk of spinal injury. Similarly, neck flexion may further compromise the airway or cause misalignment of the cervical vertebrae. Therefore, utilizing the modified jaw