The EMT has just placed an oropharyngeal airway in a patient. By doing so, which one of the following has the EMT accomplished?

A) Protected the airway from vomit or other secretions
B) Secured the tongue away from the back of the airway
C) Obtained a patent airway by preventing closure of the mouth
D) Minimized the risk of vomiting by closing off the esophagus

B