Which function should occur in the warm zone?

• A. Staging Area
• B. Scene Security
• C. Decontamination Corridor
• D. Medical Treatment

Answer: (C)

In hazmat incidents, zones separate contaminated and clean areas: hot (contaminated), warm (transition), and cold (clean). The warm zone acts as a buffer between the hot and cold zones and is where decontamination happens. The decontamination corridor is the controlled pathway used to remove contamination from PPE and responders before they enter the cold zone, protecting people and preventing the spread of contaminants. Staging areas belong in the cold zone to organize resources; scene security is maintained at the perimeter around the hot zone; and medical treatment is typically set up in the cold zone (often near the decon area) after decontamination. So, the function that should occur in the warm zone is the decontamination corridor.