What is the most effective method for maintaining a clear airway?

The most effective method for maintaining a clear airway is the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver. This technique is essential for opening the airway in an unconscious individual or anyone unable to maintain their own airway. By tilting the head back and lifting the chin, the maneuver helps reposition the tongue away from the back of the throat, which is a common cause of airway obstruction. This technique is particularly useful because it can be performed quickly and efficiently in emergency situations, facilitating adequate airflow into the lungs.

Other options, although relevant in different contexts, do not specifically address the immediate needs for clearing or maintaining an airway in the same direct manner as the head-tilt chin-lift. Chewing gum serves no purpose in airway management, while a nasal cannula is primarily used for delivering supplemental oxygen but does not open the airway itself. Abdominal thrusts are intended for dislodging an obstruction in the airway caused by choking but are not used for initial airway management in unconscious individuals. Thus, the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver stands out as the most effective technique for ensuring that the airway remains clear.