What are lengths of solid wood or plastic used to stabilize vehicles and collapsed buildings during extrication incidents?

• A. A-post
• B. B-post
• C. Cribbing
• D. Extension Rams

Answer: (C)

Cribbing is the technique of using solid wood or plastic blocks to create a stable, load‑distributing support under vehicles or debris during extrication. The blocks are stacked in an interlocking pattern to form a crib, then capped with a cap block so the load spreads across a broad contact surface and won’t shift. This directly matches the idea of using lengths of material to stabilize the load, providing a solid foundation while rescuers work. In practice, crews use standard-sized blocks (like 4x4 or 6x6 cross-sections) cut to appropriate lengths and arranged to resist movement, placed on firm ground and checked for integrity. Vehicle structural members such as A-posts or B-posts are parts of the vehicle itself, and extension rams are hydraulic tools used for prying or lifting—not stabilizing blocks.