What technique is used to stabilize a patient with suspected spinal injuries?

Spinal immobilization is the appropriate technique to stabilize a patient with suspected spinal injuries. This method is critical as it aims to prevent further injury to the spinal cord, which could lead to paralysis or other serious complications. The process typically involves the use of a backboard or a vacuum mattress to keep the patient's spine in a neutral position and limit any movement during transport.

The importance of spinal immobilization lies in its ability to stabilize not only the vertebral structures but also to mitigate the risk of secondary injury during patient movement or transportation. Proper spinal immobilization can involve the application of cervical collars, which secure the neck, as well as additional supports for the torso and lower extremities.

In the context of the other options, while soft splinting, cervical movement, and manual traction may have their place in emergency care, they do not adequately address the need to secure and stabilize the entire spinal column in cases of suspected injuries. For instance, soft splinting is more appropriate for limb injuries, and manual traction might be utilized in specific situations to relieve pressure but is not standard practice for spinal immobilization. Hence, spinal immobilization remains the cornerstone of spinal injury management in pre-hospital settings.