Florida Fire State Practice Exam

To prevent contamination after responding to an incident, firefighters should do what?

1. Change clothes immediately

2. Wash hands thoroughly

3. Decontaminate

4. Leave equipment unattended

The correct answer is: Decontaminate

Decontaminating is a critical step for firefighters after responding to an incident to ensure they remove hazardous materials or contaminants that may have attached to their gear or skin. This process may involve various methods, such as using water, specialized cleaning agents, or wipes to eliminate harmful substances. Effective decontamination helps to minimize potential health risks that could arise from exposure to toxic substances and prevents the spread of contamination to other locations, including the fire station or their homes. It is an essential practice in maintaining both personal safety and the safety of others. In contrast, changing clothes immediately may not fully remove contaminants that can linger on skin or in equipment. Washing hands thoroughly is important, but it alone may not ensure complete decontamination, especially if other personal protective equipment is still contaminated. Leaving equipment unattended compromises safety and may lead to additional contamination or theft. Thus, proper decontamination stands out as the most comprehensive and effective method for ensuring safety after an incident.