Firefighter Safety and Health 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended way to lift a heavy object such as a charged hoseline or victim?
- Bend at the knees and lift with the legs, keeping the back straight (Correct answer)
- Bend at the waist and lift with the back muscles
- Twist while lifting to gain momentum
- Hold the load away from the body for balance
Correct answer: Bend at the knees and lift with the legs, keeping the back straight
Lifting with the legs and a straight back reduces strain and prevents back injuries.
Question 2: Which condition is a leading cause of on-duty firefighter line-of-duty deaths?
- Sudden cardiac events (Correct answer)
- Falls from ladders
- Electrocution
- Animal bites
Correct answer: Sudden cardiac events
Sudden cardiac events account for the largest share of firefighter line-of-duty deaths each year.
Question 3: What is the main reason firefighters decontaminate (gross decon) their PPE after a fire?
- To remove carcinogenic soot and combustion byproducts that increase cancer risk (Correct answer)
- To make the gear look professional
- To prevent the fabric from fading
- To recharge the moisture barrier
Correct answer: To remove carcinogenic soot and combustion byproducts that increase cancer risk
On-scene gross decon removes carcinogens deposited on gear, reducing long-term cancer exposure.
Question 4: Before climbing a ground ladder, what safety check should a firefighter perform on its placement?
- Confirm proper climbing angle, footing stability, and that it is heeled or secured (Correct answer)
- Verify the ladder is painted the correct color
- Ensure it extends at least three stories
- Check that it is made of wood
Correct answer: Confirm proper climbing angle, footing stability, and that it is heeled or secured
A stable footing, correct angle, and securing/heeling the ladder prevent slips and tip-overs during climbing.
Question 5: What is the purpose of accountability systems (e.g., passport or tag systems) on the fireground?
- To track which personnel are operating in which areas of the incident (Correct answer)
- To record equipment maintenance schedules
- To bill the property owner for response
- To rank firefighters by seniority
Correct answer: To track which personnel are operating in which areas of the incident
Accountability systems track personnel location and assignment so everyone can be accounted for, especially in emergencies.
Question 6: When working near a roadway at a vehicle incident, what practice best protects firefighters from traffic?
- Position apparatus to block the work area and wear high-visibility gear (Correct answer)
- Stand in the center of the lane to be seen
- Turn off all warning lights to avoid distracting drivers
- Work facing away from oncoming traffic
Correct answer: Position apparatus to block the work area and wear high-visibility gear
Blocking with apparatus and wearing reflective gear shields the work zone and increases visibility to drivers.
Question 7: What is the function of a personal escape rope and bailout system?
- To allow a firefighter to self-rescue from an upper floor when trapped by fire (Correct answer)
- To hoist tools to the roof
- To secure hoselines to a hydrant
- To mark exit paths in smoke
Correct answer: To allow a firefighter to self-rescue from an upper floor when trapped by fire
Bailout systems let a trapped firefighter rappel out a window to escape rapidly worsening conditions.
Firefighter Safety and Health 3
What is the recommended way to lift a heavy object such as a charged hoseline or victim?