What should be done if a ladder starts to slip while being climbed?

When a ladder begins to slip while being climbed, the most prudent action is to immediately descend to safety. This response prioritizes the climber's safety, as falling from a height can lead to serious injury or death. Descending quickly but safely allows the firefighter to avoid an uncontrollable fall and reduces the risk associated with climbing a compromised ladder.

Descending also prevents the situation from becoming more dangerous. Options that suggest climbing faster or attempting to stabilize the ladder while climbing could lead to loss of balance and an increased risk of falling. While looking for an escape route may be instinctive, the most immediate concern is to exit from the dangerous position on the ladder. Therefore, descending quickly is the most effective and safest response in such a scenario.