In which control zone is decontamination performed?

• A. Cold zone
• B. Warm zone
• C. Hot zone
• D. Neutral zone

Answer: (B)

Decontamination is performed in the warm zone, the transitional area between the heavily contaminated hot zone and the clean cold zone. This zone is set up to safely remove contaminants from people and gear and to control the flow of responders and equipment so nothing dirty is carried into the clean area. In practice, responders enter the warm zone to undergo decon, remove contaminated PPE, and perform cleansing before moving into the cold zone. Keeping decon in this middle zone helps prevent spread of contamination to the cold zone and protects both victims and other responders. The hot zone contains the highest contamination and danger, while the cold zone is where things are considered clean and safe; the neutral zone isn’t part of the standard three-zone setup.