In order to avoid contact burns and heat stress after leaving a heated environment, firefighters should which of the following?

• A. Thoroughly inspect Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to check for damage
• B. Place contaminated PPE in the cab of the apparatus
• C. Follow rehabilitation protocols and allow clothing to cool
• D. Make sure that the protective trousers and coat do not overlap

Answer: (C)

Managing heat stress after leaving a heated environment requires controlled cooling and monitoring. Rehab areas provide a safe setting for rest, hydration, medical evaluation, and to begin removing and cooling gear without adding additional heat to the body. Allowing clothing to cool helps reduce core temperature and prevents ongoing heat transfer from the gear to the skin, which lowers the risk of heat illness and helps prevent burns that can occur when hot equipment is handled abruptly. While inspecting PPE is important for detecting damage, it doesn’t directly address the immediate need to cool down a hot body. Storing contaminated PPE in the cab can spread heat and contaminants, and ensuring garments don’t overlap isn’t relevant to the cooling process and could leave gaps.