Which item is generally the first to be donned in the PPE sequence before interior entry?

• A. Eye/face protection
• B. Helmet
• C. Hood
• D. SCBA

Answer: (B)

Head protection is placed first because securing the helmet establishes a stable base for the rest of the gear and protects you from overhead hazards as you move toward the entry. Wearing the helmet at the outset provides immediate protection against impacts and debris and serves as an anchor for the remaining PPE, helping to keep the hood, eye/face protection, and breathing apparatus properly positioned as you don them. Once the helmet is in place, the hood can be drawn over to cover the neck and ears, and the eye/face protection can be arranged to align with the mask, with the SCBA being donned afterward to ensure the facepiece seals correctly. In short, starting with the helmet minimizes the risk of head injuries and keeps the rest of the equipment correctly aligned for interior entry.