Which type of cooling is being performed when something cool is placed on the firefighter, such as cool wet towels?

The type of cooling being performed when cool wet towels are placed on a firefighter is referred to as active cooling. This method involves directly applying a cooling agent, in this case, wet towels, onto the skin to lower body temperature. This is often necessary in scenarios where firefighters are exposed to high heat and may begin to experience heat-related illnesses. Active cooling helps to dissipate heat more rapidly compared to passive cooling methods, which involve non-intrusive techniques such as rest and hydration without an immediate cooling substance being applied.

This choice is crucial in the context of managing heat stress and preventing heat stroke in firefighters, who operate in extremely hot environments. Employing active cooling measures effectively reduces core body temperature and mitigates the risk of overheating.