What technique is utilized for opening a patient's airway in the presence of a suspected head or neck injury?

The jaw-thrust maneuver is the appropriate technique for opening a patient's airway when there is a suspected head or neck injury. This method is specifically designed to minimize movement of the cervical spine, reducing the risk of exacerbating any potential spinal injuries.

In contrast to the head tilt-chin lift maneuver, which can manipulate the head and neck in a way that may compromise spinal alignment, the jaw-thrust maneuver focuses on elevating the mandible without tilting the head. By positioning the jaw forward and upward, it allows the airway to open while keeping the spine in a neutral position, which is critical in trauma scenarios.

Utilizing the jaw-thrust maneuver ensures that the airway remains patent while also maintaining spinal integrity, which is essential for patient safety in cases of suspected cervical spine injuries. This makes it the best choice in this particular situation.