An unconscious patient has a blocked airway. What is the first step to open the airway?

The most effective first step to open the airway of an unconscious patient with a blocked airway is to tilt the head backward and lift the chin. This action, known as the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver, helps to reposition the tongue and remove any obstruction that may be blocking the airway. When the head is tilted back, it opens the airway by aligning the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus, allowing for unobstructed airflow. This technique is foundational in basic life support and first aid practices.

Other methods, such as shaking the head gently or tilting it forward, may not create the necessary alignment of the airway. Shaking can also cause potential harm to the patient. Instead, the head-tilt, chin-lift method is a safe and well-established practice for addressing airway obstructions in unconscious individuals.