Any vehicles in which a person is entrapped must be _________to prevent shifting and inflicting more damage or injuries.

Stabilizing a vehicle where a person is entrapped is crucial to ensure the safety of both the trapped individual and the rescuers. Stabilization refers to securing the vehicle in such a way that it cannot move or shift during the rescue process. This is necessary because a vehicle that is not stabilized can roll, slide, or shift due to gravity or the movement of emergency personnel, potentially causing further injury to the person inside and creating additional hazards for responders.

In the context of vehicle extrication, stabilization typically involves the use of tools such as jacks, chocks, or cribbing materials to brace the vehicle. The goal is to create a secure environment in which rescuers can work safely and effectively, allowing them to focus on the extrication process without the added danger of the vehicle shifting unexpectedly.

Other actions, such as hosing down the vehicle or leaving it untouched, do not address the immediate need to prevent movement and are not part of standard procedures in vehicle rescue situations. Extrication itself is the process of removing the entrapped individual, which cannot safely commence until the vehicle is adequately stabilized. Thus, stabilizing the vehicle is an essential first step in the rescue operation.