Which fire ground situation is most likely to result in bloating?

Bloating is primarily associated with the act of consuming a large volume of liquid quickly, which is often a result of gulping water. When a firefighter is engaged in strenuous activities, particularly in high-stress environments like the fire ground, they may hydrate rapidly to compensate for fluid loss from sweating. This rapid intake can cause the stomach to fill quickly with air and liquid, leading to bloating.

Although stress, heavy exertion, and the use of SCBA can contribute to various physiological responses during firefighting, they do not directly cause bloating in the same manner as drinking large quantities of water quickly does. Stress and anxiety can lead to different physical reactions, such as increased heart rate, while heavy exertion typically results in muscle fatigue and dehydration rather than bloating. The positive-pressure SCBA is crucial for maintaining air supply but is not directly related to the digestive effects that lead to bloating. Therefore, the act of gulping water stands out as the situation most likely to cause this uncomfortable condition.