Which term completes the sentence: Rescuers should avoid cribbing or _____ them closed?

• A. Shore
• B. Seal
• C. Lock
• D. Hold

Answer: (A)

In this scenario, the main idea is to stabilize debris without sealing off the trapped area. When you use cribbing or shoring, you’re aiming to control movement and prevent further collapse, but you must avoid closing the space around a casualty. Shore them closed means bracing the debris in a way that seals the opening. That is dangerous because it can trap the victim, restrict ventilation, and make extrication much harder. So the term that fits and reflects safe practice is shore—to prop or brace in a way that would close the space is something rescuers intentionally avoid. The other options would imply sealing or locking the opening, which also blocks access, whereas the key takeaway is keeping spaces accessible for rescue and ventilation.