Which airway device is indicated for patients with a known or suspected cervical spine injury?

The jaw-thrust maneuver is the preferred technique for managing the airway in patients who have a known or suspected cervical spine injury because it minimizes movement of the cervical spine. This maneuver helps to open the airway by displacing the mandible forward without tilting the head backward, which can place undue stress and risk further injury to the cervical vertebrae.

In such cases, traditional methods like the chin lift, which involves extending the neck, could potentially exacerbate any existing spinal injury. While options such as cricothyrotomy and oral airway placement may be employed in certain emergency scenarios, they are not primarily aimed at controlling the airway in the context of suspected spinal injuries and may complicate the situation further. Therefore, the jaw-thrust maneuver is specifically indicated as a safer, more effective means of ensuring airway patency with minimal risk of worsening cervical spine injuries.