Which statement correctly describes the recommended action after a firefighter has been exposed to heat?

• A. Thoroughly inspect PPE 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)

After exposure to heat, the immediate priority is to move into a rehabilitation process and let clothing cool. Rehabilitation provides a controlled space to rest, rehydrate, and monitor vital signs, while allowing the gear and clothing to cool helps prevent heat-related illness by reducing the ongoing heat load on the body. This health-first approach is more important than gear checks or positioning adjustments done in the field. Inspecting PPE or handling it in the cab doesn’t address the firefighter’s immediate need to recover, and concerns about how clothing sits on the body aren’t relevant to the safety step of cooling and recovery during rehab.