If airway obstruction occurs at the accident site with a suspected spinal cord injury, what maneuver should be used to open the airway?

In the case of airway obstruction with a suspected spinal cord injury, the modified jaw thrust is the appropriate maneuver to use to open the airway. This technique specifically minimizes movement of the cervical spine, which is crucial for preventing further injury in an individual with a potential spinal cord injury.

The modified jaw thrust involves grasping the angles of the patient's jaw and thrusting the jaw upward while simultaneously tilting the head back slightly. Unlike methods such as the chin lift or head tilt, this maneuver does not require excessive neck extension, thereby reducing the risk of exacerbating any spine damage.

Using the jaw thrust technique ensures that the airway is opened effectively while maintaining spinal precautions, making it the best choice in this critical situation.