What does the term "in-line stabilization" refer to?

The term "in-line stabilization" specifically refers to the practice of keeping the victim's head, neck, and spine aligned during a rescue. This technique is crucial in preventing any further injury, especially if there is a suspicion of a spinal injury. By maintaining this alignment, rescuers can provide safer support to the victim while performing necessary maneuvers to extract them from danger. This method is vital in aquatic rescue scenarios, where swift and precise action is needed to ensure the safety of the victim while minimizing the risk of exacerbating potential injuries.

The other options, while related to various aspects of rescue operations or equipment management, do not capture the specific focus on the victim's spinal alignment during a rescue that defines in-line stabilization.