When caring for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), what should a firefighter do after interior firefighting and medical calls?

After interior firefighting and medical calls, it is essential for firefighters to decontaminate their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This step is crucial because firefighting exposes gear to various hazardous materials, including smoke, soot, contaminants, biological substances, and harmful chemicals. Proper decontamination helps to remove these substances, reducing the risk of exposure to the firefighter and preventing cross-contamination to others.

Decontaminating PPE typically involves cleaning it according to manufacturer specifications, which may include washing, using specific cleaning agents, and ensuring that gear is free from harmful residues. This process is essential for maintaining the integrity of the gear, extending its lifespan, and ensuring that it remains effective in protecting the firefighter from the hazards they face.

While cleaning the outer shell and utilizing station washers and dryers can be part of the maintenance routine, they are not sufficient actions to address the contamination effectively right after exposure to hazardous environments. Similarly, hanging PPE in direct sunlight can damage certain materials and does not ensure thorough decontamination.