What is the purpose of the Warm (Yellow) Zone in emergency management?

The Warm (Yellow) Zone in emergency management serves as a contamination reduction zone where initial treatment takes place. This zone is critical in incidents involving hazardous materials or situations where contamination is a concern, such as chemical spills or radiological releases. The purpose of the Warm Zone is to safely transition victims from the hazardous location to areas that are more secure and free from contamination.

In this area, emergency responders perform initial decontamination procedures and assess the condition of patients before they are moved to the Cold (Green) Zone for further medical treatment and recovery. The procedures conducted in the Warm Zone help minimize the risk of spreading contamination to both victims and medical personnel. This established protocol ensures the safety of both the patients and the healthcare providers while allowing for effective management of hazardous situations.

The other choices do not align with the primary function of the Warm Zone. For instance, while the area for transportation of patients might involve the Cold Zone, the purpose here focuses more on patient recovery than on immediate treatment amidst potential hazards. The notion of a zone dedicated solely to patient care and recovery, such as medical supply storage, is more accurately associated with the Cold Zone, where patients receive more comprehensive medical attention away from potential contamination.