What movement should be avoided when trying to open a victim's airway?

Tilting the head back is a common technique used to open the airway in a victim; however, in certain situations, particularly with suspected spinal injuries, this movement should be avoided. Tilting the head back can potentially exacerbate an existing spinal injury by causing further displacement of the vertebrae. In these cases, a different method like the chin lift is employed, which does not involve the extension of the neck and helps to open the airway without risking spinal injuries.

It's important to prioritize maintaining the safety of the cervical spine while ensuring that the airway is clear, which is why the chin lift technique is favored in many scenarios. Understanding the context of the victim's condition allows responders to choose the safest method for airway management.