Stabilization is a process to help prevent a sick or injured person from having their medical condition deteriorate further so that they can be treated.
It includes controlling bleeding, arranging for proper evacuation, keeping patients warm with blankets, and calming them by providing personal attention and concern for their well-being.
[1] It is particularly important in trauma cases where spinal injury is suspected to immobilize the cervical spine, or back.
In the field, spinal stabilization involves moving the person's back as a single unit with as many as five rescuers assisting, then applying a cervical collar (which can be improvised from duct tape and cardboard), and securing victims to a solid-backed stretcher, long spine board, or a vacuum mattress.
Without this technique, it may be necessary to carry a suspected trauma victim out only to discover that he had no injury worthy of the effort and expense.