Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

In a hazmat situation, where does decontamination typically take place?

1. In the red zone

2. In the green zone

3. In the yellow or warm zone

4. In the cold zone

The correct answer is: In the yellow or warm zone

Decontamination in a hazardous materials (hazmat) situation typically occurs in the yellow or warm zone. This zone is located between the hot zone, where the hazardous material is present and poses an immediate threat, and the cold zone, which is safe for emergency responders and can accommodate the incident command. The yellow zone is specifically designated for decontamination procedures because it is an area where personnel can safely remove contaminated clothing and wash off any hazardous substances before moving to the cold zone. This separation is crucial to ensure that no contaminants are transported back into the clean areas and to protect both responders and the public from the hazardous material. The other zones are allocated for different purposes: the red (hot) zone is where the hazardous materials are actively present and poses the greatest risk; the green (cold) zone is for safe operations and command, while the cold zone is intended for areas where there is no threat from hazardous materials. Therefore, the warm zone serves as a crucial intermediary space for managing decontamination effectively.