Rehab should take place in a climate-controlled location if the outside temperature is _______ or lower:

The correct answer is based on the principles of firefighter safety and the importance of maintaining optimal conditions during rehabilitation after strenuous activities. Rehab is crucial to allow firefighters to recover from physical exertion and the hazardous environments they operate in.

When the outside temperature is at 20°C (68°F) or lower, the need for a climate-controlled location becomes significant to help manage the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related injuries. At this temperature, firefighters may begin to experience discomfort and potential physiological effects due to prolonged exposure to cooler conditions, especially if they are in wet or damp clothing after firefighting efforts.

In contrast, the other temperatures listed (18°C, 15°C, and 13°C) also point towards cold stress but do not signify the threshold where a climate-controlled environment becomes necessary according to NFPA guidelines. While all temperatures lower than 20°C can be conducive to colder conditions, the threshold set at 20°C is where proactive measures such as providing climate control become vital to ensure firefighters can adequately recover and prevent health risks associated with exposure to low temperatures.

Understanding this threshold helps departments prepare for the necessary resources and strategies required to protect responders in harsh environmental conditions, emphasizing the significance of rehabilitation in maintaining the health and safety of firefighters.