Studies by the International Association of Fire Fighters have shown that firefighters engaged in operations wearing full structural PPE will have average elevated core temperatures of ________ after 20 minutes?

The correct choice reflects research findings suggesting that firefighters, when operating in full structural Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), typically experience significant physiological stress due to the environment and the demands of their work. Specifically, studies indicate that average elevated core temperatures can reach approximately 101.5 °F (39 °C) after about 20 minutes of activity in these conditions.

Understanding this detail is essential for safety and health management within fire operations. Elevated core temperatures can impact performance, decision-making, and overall safety, which is critical for incident commanders and safety officers to monitor. Maintaining awareness of such temperature thresholds allows for better planning regarding rest and rehabilitation for firefighters during operations, as well as implementing measures to mitigate heat stress.